THE number of students at Chipping Sodbury achieving multiple A* and A grades has increased dramatically despite a drop in the overall average of results.

Last year's record results of 60 per cent of teenagers achieving five or more A* to C grades including in English and maths has not been matched, with the school recording a nine per cent drop to 51 per cent.

Headteacher Gareth Millington said the school had been affected by a national shift in grade boundaries in EDEXCEL mathematics.

He added : “On the whole these are sound results – our overall average went down for the first time in some years, but the school has become very popular of late with many students joining us late into their school careers.

“Those who have been with us since Year 7 achieved a very credible 59 per cent five A*-C with English and maths. Those who joined later did not do so well, but have shown fantastic rates of progress since joining us – well above national averages and should still be congratulated.

The school is celebrating nearly 20 per cent of Year 11 students achieving five A* or A grades and 33 per cent of students receiving only A and B grades. In addition, 72 per cent of all entries in all exams were graded A* to C.

High achieving pupils include Louise Barnaby who received seven A*s and three As and Emily Avent who was awarded five A*s and five As.

“Particularly pleasing is the good number of students with a large number of A* and A grades as well as a group of students who have overcome personal adversity and several whose overall grades represent significant achievement despite not being at the highest level. These achievements are testament to their hard work and to good teaching.

“I congratulate students, teachers and of course parents.”