St Nicholas Catholic High School sees 20 per cent rise in A-Level gold standard

Overall at St Nicholas 51 per cent of all grades awarded were at the A* to B grades.

Students attaining the gold standard of AAB for three academic subjects – which is most valued by the top universities – saw a 20 per cent increase

A spokesman for St Nicholas Catholic High School said: “Congratulations to all of our A-Level students who enjoyed many outstanding individual successes alongside an overall significant improvement on previous year’s outcomes here at St Nicholas.

“These excellent results are testament to the hard work and dedication of students and staff throughout the last two years and the previous five years of preparation for these crucial examinations.

“As a fully inclusive Catholic Sixth Form we are very proud of the achievements of our students.”

The increase falls in line with a national increase of top A-Levels around the country, following the biggest exams shake-up for a generation.

More than one in four A-Levels were graded either an A or A*, the first time there has been a top A-Level result increase in six years.

At St Nicholas, 28 per cent of all grades were at either A* or A.

St Nicholas Catholic High School student Tom Cruzalegui, 18, was delighted to achieve two A* and an A in maths, Spanish and chemistry.

He will now go on to study maths at Exeter University.

He said: "It's just a relief. You wait for so long, it's just great to finally get it over with.

"That was the best case scenario really. I couldn't realistically have asked for a better result."

The school revealed that all of its students applying for medicine and veterinary science were successful and secured the course of their choice.

The spokesman added: “All of our prospective Oxbridge candidates also gained their chosen courses at either Oxford or Cambridge Universities.

“We are all delighted for our students and wish them every success as they begin this new and exciting chapter in their lives.”