GCSE students at the Blue School in Wells have followed in the footsteps of their A-level counterparts and produced a top set of GCSE results this year.

These students have been assessed under the new 9 to 1 scale. Sixteen per cent of all entries were at the new 9 or 8 grade, equivalent to an A* under the old system.

In addition, just under a third of all entries achieved a grade 7 or above, equivalent to an old A grade.

Excellent outcomes have been achieved in a wide range of subject areas, justifying the Blue School's philosophy that the breadth of the curriculum matters.

Head teacher, Mark Woodlock, said: "It is a privilege to see such strong GCSE results being achieved this year.

"We are delighted for the students, who have lived up to their potential and set themselves up for the future.

"As a group of students, they have faced the pressure of a new exam system and the national push to reduce the curriculum.

"They have responded in the best way possible, producing outstanding results in, for example, English and maths, art and DT, history and sport, among others.

"It is this breadth of achievement that will help the students showcase themselves as rounded individuals able to cope with the demands of a changing world.

"Our staff should also be congratulated on the support that they have given these students to reach these high levels.

"They have equally faced uncertainty in this new system and their professionalism and care has made a key difference to the students.

"As with our A-level results last week, we are very grateful for the support that we have received from parents and the local community.

"We believe that our community should be justifiably proud of the high performing school that serves this area and of its students that represent us so well."

External students wishing to apply for a place in the Blue School sixth form, should contact the school office on [email protected].