PUPILS in Droitwich Spa gathered to find out if months of hard work had paid off as they got their A Level results.

Sixth form students at Droitwich Spa High School, Briar Mill, were celebrating on yesterday when they discovered their grades.

This year’s results were the best the school has ever recorded, according to headteacher Natalie Waters.

She said: “This achievement is all the greater in a year when across the country there has been a levelling off in performance at the very highest level. Whilst the proportion of students gaining the highest grades fell nationally, here in Droitwich 52 per cent of students gained at least one A* - B grade and 20 per cent gained at least three A* - B.”

Top performers included Robbie Whittacker who achieved four A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics. He now has a place at New College, Oxford to study maths.

Josella Hunt also achieved four A* grades in biology, geography, product design and general studies. She is off to study marine biology at Swansea University.

Sophie Wheeler gained an A* in philosophy and ethics, A grades in general studies and biology and a B in chemistry. She is going to study clinical science at Bradford University.

Natalie Waters added: “Behind these cold statistics lie many stories of individual success, of doors opening and opportunities beckoning.”