THERE were celebrations all round as Redditch pupils proved they're top of the class when it comes to passing exams.

At St Augustine's, there was a 77 per cent pass rate at A*-C, and 60 per cent gained five or more GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths.

Headteacher Yvonne Brennan said: "We are very pleased for them, they exceeded the target set for them. We're very proud of the hard work of teachers, students, and their parents."

For the third consecutive year, Trinity High School's GCSE A*-C pass rate increased. This year there was a massive 21 per cent increase, taking the school to 66 per cent.

Headteacher Marion Barton said, “We are very pleased to see continued improvement in our pass rate. Both students and staff have worked hard to ensure our students are successful and can maximise their opportunities both in further education and in work.“ Special congratulations went to Toby Kingsman with 11 A/A* grades; James Timney, James Phillips, Ifrah Hussain and Maria Arshad who achieved 9 A/A* grades and Megan Ellerby, Nathan Martin, Maria Karle and Claire Harrison who achieved mainly A/A* grades.

At Studley High School, there was a lot of happy faces as the school achieved its best ever set of results, with 76 per cent of pupils getting five or more A*-C grades and seven pupils achieving batches of straight As or above.

Headteacher Elaine Young said she was delighted to see pupils and staff reaping the just rewards of their sterling efforts and looked forward to seeing pupils move on with confidence gained from their excellent achievements.

The school was also pleased to record the success of four former pupils who undertook their English A-level at the school, gaining one A and three Bs.

At Arrow Vale Community High School the A*-C pass rate rose to 70 per cent, from 43 per cent last year. The school has also met the Government benchmark of 30 per cent for five A*-C including English and maths for the first time. Headteacher Mark Creasy said: “To have made such progress is testament to everyone’s hard work and dedication, plus comes as a result of our innovative curriculum approach. I’m delighted more than 33 per cent of our students secured A* and A grades, exceeding the national average of 21 per cent, showing we provide for the whole range of abilities at the school.”

Other schools have still to announce their results.