THE Grange School in Hartford is celebrating a 100 per cent A-Level pass rate.

Upper sixth pupils at The Grange School have helped maintain its position as a high achieving school.

An impressive 100 per cent pass rate was achieved from this year’s cohort, with 81 per cent gaining a grade B or above.

More than half (55 per cent) achieving nothing lower than an A grade in all of their subjects.

Students have been successful in gaining places on a diverse range of courses including medicine, textile design and engineering in many of the top universities across the UK, along with all applicants to Oxbridge admirably securing their place.

Ben Barker (left), 18, is off to study medicine at Cambridge after receiving two A* and an A in chemistry, biology and maths.

He said: "I am absolutely ecstatic. I have been dreaming of this since I was seven or eight and I have finally achieved it.

"It's amazing. There's still a lot of hard work to do but I can't wait for the challenge."

Emma Combey, 18 is off to Oxford after achieving  three A* in chemistry, maths and further maths.

Tony Wilkes, 17, will be joining Emma at Oxford to study English.

He achieved two A* and an A in English, history and German.

"I am stunned," he said. "I thought I wasn't getting in. I had all the numbers for admissions, I was going to beg them to let me in.

"I'm absolutely stunned, I'm over the moon."

The school’s chemists were not to be outdone this year with all students achieving no lower than a B grade, of which 85 per cent achieved an A* or A.

The results were a fitting parting gift for Carl Howe, head of chemistry, who is retiring after dedicating 20 years of teaching at The Grange School.

Debbie Leonard, head teacher, said “The leaving Year 13 students have consistently showed their dedication to not only their studies, but in their generous contributions to the whole breadth of life within The Grange community.

“The results reward the commitment and determination they and their teachers have shown to making the very best of their ability.

"We are incredibly proud of their success.”