STUDENTS from schools across the Cotswolds celebrated after picking up a strong set of GCSE results.

After weeks of nervous waiting, thousands of Year 11 students collected their results last Thursday, August 25.

There were celebrations at Chipping Campden School, which reported its best ever set of GCSE results.

A fantastic 78 per cent of students achieved five A* to C grades, including English and maths, up eight per cent from the school's performance in 2015. And more than a quarter of results were graded at A* to A.

John Sanderson, principal, said: "I’m delighted to see so many students achieving such magnificent GCSE results, particularly in the face of a more challenging national picture.

"Staff and students have worked extremely hard and have every reason to feel proud of the fact that this has translated into the best results the school has ever had.

"With such encouraging results we are really looking forward to welcoming so many of our students, along with almost 50 from surrounding schools, back into our outstanding sixth form in September."

Meanwhile, the Kingham Hill School, near Chipping Norton, also recorded its best set of results with 84 per cent of results at A* to C. A whopping 36 per cent of students scored the highest marks, an A* or and A.

Nick Seward, headteacher, said: "I'm thrilled to see so many of our pupils achieving above expectations, and delivering such a fine set of results.

"Alongside those achieving strings of A*s and As, many pupils in this year group have faced big academic challenges, and I know they will now feel the hard work was worth it, with well-deserved success to celebrate."

Winchcombe School students, staff and governors were celebrating a positive set of results, with a number of students attaining top grades in all their subjects.

Headteacher Neil Hall said: "We are thrilled to report such positive results for all our students, who under the new government measures have made expected progress with many making more than expected progress.

"I feel that once again the success is down to the hard work and dedication of pupils and staff, combined with invaluable input from supportive parents."

Over at The Cotswold School, an impressive 82 per cent of students achieved five ore more GCSEs at A* to C including English and maths. This result was up seven per cent from grades achieved in 2015.

Mr Morgan, principal, said: "Amongst the individual stories of endeavour and resilience today are pupils who have lost parents and overcome real barriers – be they social, learning or health related - and through hard work these pupils have achieved.

"I am absolutely delighted that our most disadvantaged have performed equally as well as those students with every advantage.

"This is what a great comprehensive can do. It can stretch the most able and give them the top grades. Meanwhile, it can also create opportunities for those who don’t initially shine to come through and achieve great things.

"With their attainment today, all our young people have options. Doors have been opened for them."