Students from The Burgate School open their GCSE results.THERE were squeals of delight and most of the tears were of joy as students opened their long-awaited GCSE results.

Schools in south Wiltshire and the New Forest continue to make steady progress and there were some outstanding individual performances, in addition to students who overcame difficult circumstances to get those all-important grades.

In Salisbury, St Edmund's Girls' School and Sports College maintained its success of recent years, with 66 per cent of students achieving at least five A*-C grades.

Top performers were Rosemarie Brown (four A*s, four As and two Bs) and Katie Devonald (eight As and two Bs), although headteacher Jacqui Goodall was delighted with all the results.

"We would like to congratulate our students at all levels," she said.

Despite being some way off the national average of 59 per cent of students gaining at least five A*-C grades, many of the city's comprehensive schools are showing positive signs of improvement.

At Westwood St Thomas School, 40 per cent of pupils achieved the crucial five A*-C grades - up two per cent on last year.

High-flyer Marcia Henstridge, who attended the national gifted and talented summer school last year, gained eight A* and four A grades, including a top grade in additional maths.

"We have seen improvements in all measures of performance," said pleased deputy head Mark Potts.

There is also a positive trend at St Joseph's School, where 33 per cent of pupils achieved at least five top grades, which makes 2004 one its best years ever.

The city's grammar schools continue to do well in the national league tables, achieving top-class results.

South Wilts Grammar School for Girls had the 36th best GCSE marks of all the grammar schools in the country, with 99.2 per cent of pupils gaining five A*-Cs and 73 per cent of grades being A* or A.

Thursday was an especially good day for Naomi Cornish, Helen Mitchell and Emma Boakes, who all received A*s in ten subjects, and a further 35 girls achieved straight A* and A grades.

An impressive 20 students also achieved among the top five highest marks in the country in a variety of subjects.

Headteacher Frances Stratton said: "Congratulations go to all the staff and students, whose hard work and enthusiasm have led to these outstanding results.

"They make a marvellous springboard for the next stage of their education."

Just a few places behind, at 44th in the grammar school league tables, were the boys at Bishop Wordsworth's School, where 97.3 per cent of pupils got more than five A*-C grades and 69 per cent of exams were awarded A* or A grades.

High-flyer Gary Mullen received ten A*s and one grade A and is staying at the school to take A-levels.

"We can be justly proud of what the boys at Bishop's have achieved this year," said headteacher Dr Stuart Smallwood.

"The grades come from two years' commitment to learning from both boys and staff."

The art department at La Retraite Swan was top of the class, with A*s across the board.

All photography students got A grades and 92.3 per cent of pupils got top grades in five GCSEs.

At The Stonehenge School, in Amesbury, 57 per cent of pupils achieved five A*-C grades, which continues the upward trend.

Headteacher Andy Packer said: "We are delighted with the progress."

Upper Avon School, in Durrington, produced its most successful student ever, with Ben Howe achieving an impressive eight A*s and two As.

Over 34 per cent of pupils received at least five A*-C grades, which shows an improvement on last year's performance.

"We are pleased with the improvement and things are looking better for next year, when we shall see the results of our new curriculum," said acting deputy head John Woodward.

There was also good news at Downton School, where results continue to improve, with 40 per cent of pupils gaining five A*-C grades.

Georgina Baker had a first-class set of results, including four A*s and three As, and headteacher Jenny Lawrie praised all the candidates.

"This year's group is a delightful set of young people, who have developed considerably in the time I have known them, gaining in confidence and skills," she said.

"These results are really pleasing and the students and their parents, and Downton staff deserve every congratulation for all their efforts and hard work."

It was another good year at The Burgate School, with high-flyer Anna Masson achieving an outstanding 11 A* grades.

Five or more A*-C grades were obtained by 69 per cent of students - well above the national average.

David Pover, assistant headteacher, said: "We're thrilled - the results aren't quite as high as last year but they are as we expected. We are very pleased that the vast majority of students have achieved what they needed to move into the sixth form and further their education."

It was a record-breaking year at Queen Elizabeth's School, Wimborne, where 64 per cent of Year 11 students achieved five or more A*-C grades.

"Once again, the students have matched and even exceeded our expectations," said headteacher Andy Puttock.

"We take massive pride in being a comprehensive school and I am delighted with the success of every student."

Boys bucked the national trend at Shaftesbury School and performed as well as the girls.

"Our GCSE students have produced another set of magnificent results," said headteacher David Booth.

"Their achievements are just reward for their conscientious approach to their studies and a reflection of the quality of teaching delivered by our dedicated staff."

= As the Journal went to press, the results from Wyvern College, Godolphin School and The Ringwood School, were not available. We hope to carry them next week.