Despite predictions that the grades for GCSE English would decline this year the pupils at Stonar, near Atworth, achieved the opposite.

Almost half their grades in English language and literature were A*s, rising to 70% when A grades were included.

And, again, every pupil at the independent school passed IGCSE maths, with 45% gaining top grades and 44% of the grades across all subjects awarded A* or A grades (more than twice the national average).

Every pupil takes the more challenging IGCSE in maths, English and the sciences.

“Whilst I am delighted with the overall statistics they are not particularly important” said headteacher Toby Nutt.

“What really matters is how individual pupils have exceeded all expectations.

"We aim to achieve this both academically and personally with our pupils; it is an honour and a privilege to be able to witness such remarkable transformations.”

Delighted Felicity Birkett, of Box, who gained six A* and five A grades plans to study A-level French, Spanish, music, history and English in Stonar’s sixth form.

“We are absolutely thrilled with Felicity’s results, which are due to a combination of her hard work and Stonar’s excellent teaching,” said her mother.