Students make the grade

A Newark student at the William Robertson Academy, Welbourn, has gained five grade nines in her GCSEs.

Jessica Chen from Newark gained the top grades in maths, chemistry, physics biology and French. She also gained an A* in additional maths, as well as one grade eight and three grade sevens.

Another Newark student Alethea Meachem gained grade nines in chemistry, biology, French and geography, four grade eights, a grade B in additional maths and one grade seven.

Charlotte Jordan also from Newark gained a grade eight in English literature, an A* in media studies, four grade sevens, two grade sixes and a grade five.

Lewis Hobbs of Claypole achieved two grade eights in geography and performing arts, three grade sevens, a B in additional maths, three sixes and a grade five.

Samuel Wright of North Muskham gained a grade eight in chemistry, three grade sevens, two grade sixes, two grade fives and a grade four.

The head, Mr Mark Guest, said it had been a record breaking year for GCSE outcomes.

They achieved their highest ever percentage of students gaining grade five and above in English and maths.

"This is an outstanding achievement as the new GCSEs are designed to be much tougher and to raise the bar for all students nationally," he said.

"This is a great tribute to the hard work of our students, staff and the support of their families."