PUPILS and teachers at schools across Romsey celebrated their GCSE results – with one even achieving its best-ever scores.

The Romsey School headteacher praised the dedication of pupils after landing its best-ever haul, with 74 per cent of pupils gaining A*-C in English and maths and 71 per cent achieving the gold standard of five or more GCSEs at A*-C including English and Maths – two per cent higher than the previous year.

Youngsters screamed in delight as they opened their envelopes and hugged friends and parents in the school’s hall.

In total 83 per cent of students made at least expected progress in English and 84 per cent in maths, with the results marking improved scores at the school for the third year running.

Headteacher Colm McKavanagh said: “These results reflect the exceptionally hard work which students, staff and parents have put in over the past five years.

“We are so fortunate to have such a fantastic body of staff who really do go the extra mile to make sure students achieve beyond expectations and congratulations are due to everyone who worked so well together.”

Elsewhere in the town, Mountbatten School has also welcomed some of the its best-ever results.

This year 75 per cent of students achieved five or more GCSEs at Grade A*-C, with 71 per cent doing so including English Language and Mathematics.

Maggie Maxim secured 11 grades at A star while Alex Chamberlain and Alexandra Walker both achieved 10 grades at A star.

Executive headteacher Heather McIlroy said: “I am delighted so many students have achieved such superb GCSE results. Their hard work has been rewarded."

“The Mountbatten School has always pursued a grammar school style academic curriculum for the majority of students.

“This makes their achievements today even more impressive.”

Emma-Kate Henry, principal of Hampshire Collegiate School, welcomed the news that 90 per cent of pupils gained five or more A*-C GCSEs – a slight decrease from 93 per cent last year – and 60 per cent of all grades awarded were at A*-B.

She said: “We are looking forward to maintaining and building on our excellent standards and striving to provide the very best sixth-form experience for our young men and women in order to prepare them for an ever-changing world."