HEAD teacher Mike Holland has praised the ‘exceptional’ performance of his students in English and maths at GCSE.

Mr Holland is head teacher at Hartford Church of England High School, where more than 80 per cent of students achieved A* - C grades in the key core subjects.

Mr Holland said: “We are absolutely delighted with our results.

“Our raw scores are very good, and performance in terms of student progress is exceptional – we are at least eight per cent above target for the key measure of 5 A* - C grades including English and mathematics.

“This is due to the hard work and dedication of students and colleagues, as well as the support of parents.

“The exceptional performance in English and mathematics has ensured that 73 per cent of the year group achieved 5 A* - C grades including English and mathematics.

“Students in art, separate sciences, ICT, dance, music, modern foreign languages and PE have also performed exceptionally well this year, and our commitment to high standards continues to be rewarded.

“We are very proud of these achievements and the students must be congratulated for their efforts.

“Once again well over 40 per cent of students achieved the English Baccalaureate, which is a qualification for students who gain A* - C grades in English, maths, two sciences, MFL and either history or geography, and is due to the school insisting that students study rigorous academic subjects as the core of their curriculum.”

Highest overall achievers were Hannah Buck, Katherine Schofield and Victoria Turner – who all achieved at least 10 A* grades; whilst Isabelle Treacher, Emily Broad, Hannah Treacher, Lucie Illingworth, Matthew Holland, Leah Merison, Jessica Clarke, Nina Bourner, Lucy Hatton, Roberta Power, Nicholas Verma, Jack Moynihan, Elise Dodd, Mia Kirkness, Elis Vickery, Fay Acton and William Morrillo all achieved between nine and 12 A/A* grades.