PUPILS and staff at Highdown  School are celebrating after increasing the number of A*s and As year on year.

Some eight per cent of grades at the school were an A*, the top grade possible.

Headteacher Rachel Cave said: "Half of all grades were at A* to B making this the best ever performance for the academy.

"Performance was very strong across the ability range. Not only were the top end stretched but all students were supported to achieve highly.

"There is a huge improvement in the school's predicted value score and we are likely to receive 'red hot' grading.

"We are delighted that there continues to be an increase in students achieving places at very competitive universities."

Successful students included Brendon Warwick who will be going to Bristol after achieving an A* in Maths, and A in computing and B in music technology.

Megan Wynn will be off to UEA next year after A*s in English Literature and sociology and As in History and Extended Project Qualification.