YATE International Academy has seen a marked improvement from last year’s disappointing GCSE results.

The academy, part of The Ridings federation, recorded a seven per cent increase in the number of students achieving five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C. In 2014, the academy was ‘bitterly disappointed’ at its 40 per cent C or above mark, a drop of 18 per cent from 2013, and employed extra maths tutors and held additional revision sessions for Year 11 this year to help improve grades.

The hard work has paid off with 47 per cent of students achieving five or more A* to C grades including in English and mathematics.

Academy principal Paul Skipp said: “We are delighted to see that the dedication and hard work of our young people has culminated in a very positive set of results.

“The success of our students is facilitated by a unique bond between staff, students and their families and therefore we would like to thank all those involved.

“We believe these results are a foundation for a very positive and exciting future.”

Mr Skipp said particularly pleasing was the 10 per cent increase in students achieving above a C in mathematics.

Amy Gibbs was the best performing pupil gaining three A*s, five As, one B and one C.

Twins Abbie and Sophie Banwell, both 16, also did achieving a combined 12 A grades, six Bs and two Cs.

Sophie, who starts an apprenticeship in accountancy at the Ministry of Defence in Abbey Wood later this year, said: “I was really expecting these grades, it has been a nervous wait.”

Abbie, who wants to become a wildlife photographer, said she was shocked to have done so well in maths.

“I did better than I expected,” she said. “It was nice to have my sister with me and go through it together. Our parents are really proud.”

Bernado Fernandes, 16, said he was not expecting the two A*s, five As and two Bs he received.

“I was expecting a few As and Bs but not A*s,” he told the Gazette.

“I want to be a lawyer so I am definitely going to celebrate by going out for a meal tonight.”