WINTERBOURNE International Academy has seen an 11 per cent drop in students achieving five or more GCSEs at grade C or above.

Last year the academy, traditionally one of the highest performing schools in South Gloucestershire, recorded 72 per cent of students achieving the government’s benchmark of five or more grade C or above in subjects including English and maths. But this year, the figure has dropped to 61 per cent taking it down to the same level as many other schools in the district.

But the academy is celebrating a 100 per cent A* to C pass rate in biology, physics and chemistry and Italian. Furthermore, there were pass rates at grade A* to C of more than 80 per cent in mathematics, English literature, further additional science, art, photography, business studies, media, music and PE.

New academy principal Richard Haupt said he was particularly pleased with the numbers of students achieving top grades this year with those being awarded A*s and As in English literature, history, music, and maths well above the national average.

He added: “We are incredibly proud of our students; these results are testament to their hard work and their success is well-deserved.

“We would like to offer our personal thanks to teachers and parents for their commitment and support. We look forward to welcoming our students back in September as the new Year 12”.

High achievers included Isobel Wilkins, who gained 10 A*s and one A, and Elise Evans who was awarded nine A*s and three A grades.

Avin Litt, 16, added to his A* in further science which he took a year early last with three A*s. Six As and one C.

“It was better than I expected,” he said. “I needed Bs to study maths, further maths, chemistry and economics at sixth form next year and I know I worked hard. I am so relieved as I was really nervous this morning.”

Lauren Simmonds, 16, gained one A*, one A, seven Bs and a C.

“I cannot believe I got an A* in maths,” she said. “I really wanted that but didn’t think I would get it. I am feeling quite emotional now.”