Mr Dearden, Principal, said: “The Class of 2019 were a fantastic bunch of students who have worked tirelessly to secure results that we should all be immensely proud of.

“I take great satisfaction from the fact that students, whatever their background, have achieved results that will help them open the door to a really successful future. Not only have we significantly closed the gap between the outcomes of disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged pupils, but we have also seen impressive performances across a number of subjects with students securing a host of the very best marks.”

Over 40% of all Science grades, for example, achieved a 7 or above, including 8 Grade 9s in Physics. Maths also celebrated some of the best results in the school’s history with a pass rate of nearly 90% - and 13 students (over 10%) secured the coveted Grade 9 in the subject.

Mr Dearden added: “As a result, once the national figures are released, we are expecting our students to have performed significantly better than the national average. It is also likely that our progress data will once again stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the strongest in the county.”

Among the smiling faces was Olinka Jeske with 9 Grade 9s, an 8 and an A*, but many other students have excelled at all levels, and in many subjects.

Stephen Dawson, Chair of Governors, said: “While it is great that the headline figures are so strong, they only tell half of the story. I have been so impressed by the lengths that our students and staff have gone to in order to achieve these results. They are a credit to themselves and our community.”

Mr Dawson was also keen to acknowledge the impact of a number of long-serving members of staff who are retiring this year.

“This summer we are saying farewell to our Principal, Mr Dearden, and several members of staff who have given so much to the College over the years.

“While these results are ultimately a celebration of our students’ successes, the role that these staff members have had in shaping the College cannot be underestimated. They have been passionate about ensuring that every student has had the opportunity to find where their interests and talents lie - and have ensured that they have done this in a supportive and caring environment.

“The College starts an exciting new chapter in September. The legacy of these individuals is that they have established the College’s ethos so that students can continue to flourish for generations to come.”