Students at Chipping Sodbury School have praised teachers and staff for their support after achieving high grades on GCSE results day.

Statistics show that a higher number of students than ever before are achieving the top grades, as well as a record number of students achieving pass grades at English, maths and science.

A large proportion of the year 11 group achieved strong passes in all their subjects, a huge increase compared to previous years.

Poppy Smith, the top performing student in the year achieved seven 9's and told the Gazette that the support of staff was what helped her through.

"I would say that you always need to aim for the best grades," she said.

"By aiming for them it pushes you to achieve higher.

"You have to work hard to improve but the staff here at the school are always willing to help you.

"I have really enjoyed my time here at the school, it has been great."

Poppy is going to Hartpury College to study as it gives her the chance to focus on netball with their sports academy as well.

Headteacher at the school Katherine Turner revealed her delight after students had once again 'done the school proud'.

"Once again there has been positive improvements at the school," she said.

"There are a really high number of good results here and we are really proud of all of our students and what they have achieved.

"One really encouraging thing is the positive steps made by our Special Educational Needs department, their grades have been brilliant which we are really proud about.

"The grades are a real testament to the work that we are doing here at the school and I hope that it makes it clear that students can achieve at Chipping Sodbury School.

"I am also delighted that there have been some outstanding results from our younger students who have taken early GCSEs which is part of our exciting and innovative curriculum model."

"This has ensured that many students already have at least one GCSE as they enter Year 10 or 11.

"We regard this as further proof that we are securing great results for our school community.”

"Very well done to all our students, many of whom we will see return to the 6th Form.

"Whatever the next stage in their academic careers, we wish them the very best.

"Chipping Sodbury School has great young people who are a credit to our whole school community."

Other students who achieved high grades were Tom Peaston (three 9's, three 8's and three 7's), Katie Pellow (four 9's, two 8's and one 7) and Katie Salvage (three 8's and four 7's).

Twins Ben and Chelsea Roberts also achieved high grades.

Ms Turner continued: "We are really looking forward the new year and welcoming all our new students to the school."