OVERALL, this year's GCSE results for Queen Elizabeth's Academy were the best ever, especially in English and Maths, said the college principal, Richard Newton Chance.

He said he was delighted with the individual success stories, but also with the achievements of every student, especially those who did very well "against the odds".

Of the 282 students receiving their results, 69 per cent achieved five A* - C grades, of which the college initially estimated 61 per cent reached the new bench mark of five A* - Cs including English and Maths.

Rupert Poole, director of learning and vice principal, said: "Across the board we are very pleased with how well students have done in their academic subjects.

"We are also delighted that we have achieved well in the vocational courses that we offer. More than 100 students study vocational courses such as BTECs in outdoor education, ICT, music and performing arts and the new diplomas, where students also did very well."

He commented on how hard both students and teachers had worked and said that among the results were the stories that "shone with determination".