“OUR motto ‘to be the best that we can be’ has not only been realised today, but a new standard has been set,” said headteacher of Alcester Academy Paul Hyde.

The remarks came after a staggering 20 per cent more students achieved five A* to C including English and maths in their GCSEs compared to last year.

It has risen from 58 to 78 per cent.

Staff and students from the school have been celebrating after receiving record GCSE results.

A delighted Mr Hyde said he was “over the moon” with the best ever results and added that he believes this will put the school in the top 10 per cent improved schools nationally.

“They are a true reflection of just how hard the students and staff have worked over the past year,” he said.

“Most Saturday mornings we’ve had upwards of 50 students in attendance receiving additional support from their teachers.

“This, coupled with the already high quality of teaching that we deliver, has had a really positive impact on outcomes.

Top performers included Imogen Airlie, with eight A* and three A grades, Bethany Willcox, with seven A* and four A grades, and Alex Steele, who achieved 10 A* grades as well as A* with distinction in further maths- the highest grade possible at GCSE.

In core subjects English and maths 82 and 88 per cent of students respectively achieved a grade C or above.

In separate sciences biology, chemistry and physics there was a 100 per cent pass rate and above 75 per cent achieved a grade for combined science.

The school has an open evening for prospective pupils on Tuesday, September 15.