PERINS School in Alresford is celebrating another year of outstanding GCSE results, rewarding the exceptional hard work of students and staff.

In a year of changes to performance measures, as well as curriculum requirements, the students exceeded all expectations and the school has seen a significant increase from 2016 on all key measures.

In comparison with 2016, the ‘old’ headline figure of 5A*-C grades, including English and maths, saw a seven per cent increase on last year’s excellent results. More than 28 per cent of all entrants achieved at least one A grade.

The core subjects achieved staggering results of 88 per cent A*-C equivalent in English and 79 per cent A*-C equivalent in maths. Science results were also notably high, including 99 per cent A*-C in biology and more than 93 per cent A*-C in both chemistry and physics.

Headteacher Steve Jones said: “Behind these excellent results are stories of individuals. I know the many hours of work that our staff and students have put into achieving these exceptional results.

“We took the moral decision to break from the pack and, where other schools were narrowing their curriculum at the detriment of areas such as sport and the arts to focus on core and English Baccalaureate subjects, we invested heavily into a more holistic approach.

“I am delighted that not only is this reflected in the overall results but that those very core subjects of maths and English have shown significant improvements as a result of students becoming immersed in life at Perins.”

Mr Jones continued: “Of note should be the major increases in our English Baccalaureate and English and maths combined ‘Good+’ pass figures, with a further 10 per cent rise from last year’s commendable figures.

“This, along with the significant number of our young people achieving the new grade nine, indicates that our students, in a year group labelled nationally as guinea pigs, have shown that they have the resilience, intellect and work ethic that will ensure that they will achieve major successes throughout their lives.”

And he added: “I am proud to be working with such committed staff, supportive parents and, most importantly, an outstanding student body that never fails to impress me with their attitudes, abilities and support for one another.”

Some of the notable successes at Perins, with average points scores exceeding 57, are Maia Cave, Sophia Hawkins, Ben Matthews, Eleanor Moss and Josh Taylor. Sophia, Eleanor and Josh gained A* and A (9-8) grades in all 10 of their GCSE subjects.

Exceptional results were achieved in the non-core subjects including: Drama 98%, Music 96%, Physical Education 92%, Textiles 89%, Computing 84%, and History 83%.

An equivalent of 83 per cent (Good+) achieved five A*-C and 76 per cent (Good+) achieved five A*-C, including English and maths, while 41 per cent of pupils achieved the English Baccalaureate, bettering last year’s figure by an 11 per cent point increase.