STUDENTS in Alcester are celebrating after receiving their GCSE results today.

At Alcester Academy, 76 per cent of students achieved five or more A* to C grades at GCSE.

The school saw 75 per cent of students pass their Mathematics and 69 per cent got their English by gaining a grade C or above.

Paul Hyde, headteacher at Alcester Academy, said: “The vast majority of our students, as a result of their GCSE grades will have secured post 16 places at local colleges and sixth forms.

“This is an excellent reward for the hard work of the past five years at the academy and we’d like to wish all of our students the best of luck for the next phase of their education.”

“Looking towards the future, we have recruited some fantastic teachers, many of whom are joining us form outstanding schools.

“We believe that this will further strengthen the academy in all areas, giving youngsters an even better chance of success.”

The top performing students were Lucinda Grainger with three A*s, six As and two Bs, Laura Kenyon with three A*s, five As and four Bs, Michael Lear with four A*s, six As and one B, Jack Leeson with eight As, two Bs and one C and Georgie White with five A*s, six As and two Bs.

Tim Sara, headteacher at St Benedict's Catholic High School, said: “I am genuinely very pleased a lot of people did exceptionally well, As and A*s.”

Across the county thousands of students sat their GCSEs this year.

Councillor Colin Hayfield, Warwickshire County Council’s portfolio holder for education and learning, said: “This is a really important time for pupils who will be nervous and excited as they open up their exam result envelopes.

“I congratulate all students on their achievements and wish them luck for the future, whether that will be in continued full-time education, employment or training.

“The long hours of hard work and dedication of all the teaching staff, plus the support of parents, that contributed to the students’ success should also be celebrated today.

“It will be some time before we know the full validated results for Warwickshire but we are optimistic that the vast majority of Warwickshire pupils will have reached their target grades.”

Councillor Julie Jackson, vice chair of Warwickshire County Council’s Children & Young People Overview and Scrutiny Committee said: “My best wishes go to all Warwickshire students today as they get results of GCSE and vocational examinations and make decisions about their futures.

“Under the government's legislation to raise participation and increase the nation's level of education and skills, all young people completing Year 11 will be expected to continue in education or training until they reach their 18th birthday. Schools will be able to advise pupils on their future education and career options.”