There has been delight in many homes in Ross and across the county of Herefordshire, Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire at the very high results achieved by pupils in their A level and GCSE exams.

Due to lack of space in the newspaper we decided to include the results we had no space for here.

Herefordshire's high schools maintained their reputation for high standards as GCSE results achieved by students  reached new highs.

Many schools improved on their record results of a year ago, particularly in the relatively new benchmark measure of five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C including English and mathematics. 

A particularly high standard in this measure was achieved by Fairfield High School (71 percent), John Masefield High School (64 percent), St Mary's RC High School (72 percent), Wigmore High School (66 percent), Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat school (60 percent) and John Kyrle High School and Sixth Form Centre (59 percent). These results are significantly higher than the national average and reflect significant improvements.  In particular, Fairfield High School raised performance by 11 percent, Whitecross High School in Hereford improved by nine percent, Earl Mortimer College and Sixth Form centre (formerly the Minster College in Leominster) raised performance by 14 percent and the Hereford Academy which improved by 16 percent. 

All high schools in Herefordshire performed either at or above the previous national average for students achieving five or more GCSE grades at A*-C, and some of our schools made significant increases on last year's record high results.  Top performers in this measure were Fairfeld High School (92 percent), Wigmore High School (95 percent), St Mary's RC High School (97 percent), Weobley High School (98 percent) and Queen Elizabeth High School (98 percent).  

Councillor Philip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement, said: "Well done to all our hard working pupils and their teachers for once again rising to the challenge and improving on last year's high results.

"We understand it isn't easy for schools at the moment with funding remaining low and more pressure than ever before to make sure pupils achieve their full potential.  However, once again, this year they have produced results that we can all be proud of."  

Delight at the Royal Forest of Dean College

Student and staff are celebrating as the college achieves yet another outstanding set of results with a 99.5% pass rate (national average 97.6%), and 16 out of the 17 A level subjects offered at the college achieving 100% pass rate.  Seven students received an A* and 75% achieved grades A*-C, both in line with the national average.

In A2 English Language and Literature 20 out 23 students achieved an A-C grade.  In Photography 10 out of 12 received A-C grades and in Sociology 9 out of 16 received A*-C, with two achieving an A*.  Sociology, Psychology, Maths and Biology all had at least one student who received an A*.

There were many exceptional results: Katie Harries will study medicine at Cambridge University this autumn after achieving two A* in her Extended Project and Maths A level. Katie, 18, achieved her Maths A level in one year after starting at RFDC in September 2009.  She previously attended Chetham's School of Music in Manchester, but decided she wanted to become a doctor rather than a musician and RFDC offered her the opportunity to change direction.  Laura Clarke, 18, from Cinderford achieved two A* in Sociology and Psychology, an A in Religious Studies and an A at AS in Critical Thinking and will be going to the University of Bristol to study Psychology.  Abigail Jones also achieved an A* in Sociology, an A in English and a B in her Extended Project.  Abigail also completed a National Certificate in Art and Design , achieving a Double Distinction (equivalent to two As at A Level) and will be staying at college next year to do a Foundation Diploma in Art.

Hollie Thomas is off to the University of Worcester to study Psychology after achieving A* in the subject as well as A in ICT and B in English.  Gabi Olley achieved A* in Biology, A in Maths and B in Chemistry and will be going to Sheffield University to study Genetics.  Grant Bennett, 19, who is dyslexic, is off to Cardiff University to study Engineering.  Grant took full advantage of all the support available in college to help our students achieve their best possible grades.

Jane Harvey, Head of A Levels said "I am delighted with another set of outstanding A level results.  They are a well deserved reward for the hard work of our students and the skilled teaching of our team of dedicated A level specialist staff."

Sandy Lang, Assistant Principal, commented "Once again our excellent pass rate this year reflects the hard work and commitment of both learners and staff at the Royal Forest of Dean College.  2011 promises to be an exciting year for the college as we enter into merger talks with Gloucestershire College and these results strengthen our position as a provider of high quality education in the Forest of Dean."

Outstanding Achievements for Monmouth Comprehensive School students

Once again, Monmouth Comprehensive School students have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their A Level results.  Overall, there was a 99% pass rate with 78% of students gaining the top three grades.  A stunning 10% of the grades awarded were the newly introduced A*.  this grade has been introduced this year to reward exceptional performance and has been awarded to candidates who have achieved an A grade overall in their A Level and 90% of the marks available in their A2 exams, the hardest parts of the A Level examined in the final year.  Two students gained four A8 grades, a further three achieved 3 A* grades with 25 students overall getting one or more A*s.

The Headteacher and staff at Monmouth Comprehensive School would like to congratulate all its successful A Level students and wish them well with the next stage in their educational journey.  Particularly outstanding results were gained by the following students:

Caroline Hagg – 4 A*s. Caroline, Monmouth Comprehensive School's Head Girl, most exceptionally achieved 3 A grade A Levels last year and now has a total of 6 A Levels.  Caroline will be reading European, Social and Political Studies at University College, London. Mark Smithies – 4 A*s.  Mark will be reading Physics with Astrophysics at Bristol University.  Ceri Jones – 3 A*s.  Ceri will be reading Natural Sciences at Cambridge University.  Mohanvir Saran – 3 A*s.  Mo will be reading History at Cardiff University.  Tom Williams – 3 A*s.  Tom will be reading English Literature at Oxford University.  David Garwood – 2 A*s and 2 As.  David, the school Deputy Head Boy, will be reading medicine at Liverpool University.  Danielle Oliver – 1 A* and 3 As.  Danielle will be reading Psychology at Cardiff University.

Jonathan Beech – 2 A*s and 1 A.  Jonathan will be reading Law at Warwick University.  Edmund Rayner – 2A*s and 1 A.  Ed will be reading History at Kent University.

Harriet Barton – 1A* and 2 As.  Harriet will be reading Philosophy at Sheffield University.

Lauren Brindley – 1 A* and 2 As.  Lauren will be reading English and Philosophy at Sheffield University.  Holly Edwards – 1 A* and 2 As.  Holly will be reading Art History at St Andrews.

Holly James – 1 A* and 2As.  Holly will be studying Physiotherapy at Cardiff University.  Jamie Barber – 3 As and 1 C.  Jamie will be reading Chemistry at Bristol University.  Harry Potter – 3 As.  Harry will be reading English at Liverpool University.  Emilie Radley – 3 As.  Emily will be studying Accounting and Finance at Bath University.

ANOTHER YEAR OF EXCELLENT GCSE RESULTS AT THE HABERDASHERS' MONMOUTH SCHOOLS

This year's GCSE results at both Monmouth School and Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls have been outstanding, with a 98.4% pass rate (A* to C grade) at Monmouth School and 98.8% pass rate at HMSG.  

The A*/A grades at HMSG were the best ever at 75%, with 36 girls (44% of the cohort) achieving A*/A in every subject.  Monmouth School recorded 86.6% A* to B grades. Thirteen  girls at HMSG achieved 10 or more A*s, with one girl, Ella Richards, gaining 12 A*s.  13 boys at Monmouth School had 10 A*/As.

Amongst the pupils collecting their results today was Hannah Tilley, who gained 9 A*s and 1 A.  At just 16, Hannah is an accomplished sailor, having won the prestigious Welsh Young Sailor of the Year award in December.  Last year she became RYA Volvo Youth National Champion, and this summer, Hannah was pitted against the top laser radial sailors at the Skandia Sail for Gold Regatta.  Hannah, who is already sailing in the Olympic class, now has her sights set on the 2016 Rio Olympics. 

Mrs Helen Davy, Headmistress of HMSG said,  "I am enormously proud of all the girls and the results they have achieved today.  These outstanding grades are a reflection of the girls' and teachers' effort and talent.  The percentage of A*/A grades is our best ever at 75%."

Dr Steven Connors, Headmaster of Monmouth School said,  "This year's results are very strong across the board, but there have been particularly outstanding results in subjects as diverse as chemistry and history, where over 83% achieved A*/As.  With the guidance of their dedicated teachers, the boys have much to be proud of in these very good set of results."