STUDENTS at The King Alfred School are celebrating after achieving a fantastic set of GCSE results.

More than 200 year 11 students rushed to the school on Burnham Road at 9am to get their results and surpassed expectations with 57 per cent of its students securing a grade 4 or above in English and Maths.

Denise Hurr, headteacher at the school, said she is 'incredibly proud' of the students achievements.

"Our whole school community has worked together to ensure that all of our students have the opportunity to achieve their potential" she said.

"We are proud of the excellent relationships in school and the dedication of our staff and community in developing our students.

"The governors and I would like to thank the community for their ongoing support."

The students were the first year group to face the newly reformed GCSE grading system where traditional A* to G grades have been replaced with a 9 to 1 system, with 9 the highest mark.

Despite the changes, a number of students surpassed expectations and secured top GCSE grades.

Rhiana Sinclair and Megan Robinson said they were 'lost for words' when they read their results.

Megan attained a grade 9 in English Language, grade 8 in English Literature, grade 7 in maths, three A* grades, three A grades and two B grades.

"I didn't expect to get such high results, it was a real shock" she said.

"It was one of the hardest years this year and I am thrilled with my results."

Rhiana achieved a grade 8 in Maths and English Language, a grade 7 in English Literature, four A*'s, four A's and a B.

Identical twins, Holly and Megan Richards also had a great set of results.

The pair are national swimming competitors and swim regularly, juggling school work and their love of the sport.

Holly achieved two 6's, a 7, four A's and two B's and will be studying at The King Alfred School sixth form in September.

"I am really happy with my results, I wish I had done slightly better in English but I am really pleased with my results overall" she said.

Megan said she was delighted after achieving grade 9 in English Language and English Literature and a 7 in Maths as well as a grade 8,three A*'s, three A grades and two B grades.

She will be returning to The King Alfred School for sixth form and will be studying History, French, Psychology and English Literature at A Level.

Another student who was thrilled with his results was Sam Manley after he got a distinction star in Business Studies and an A*, two A grades, five B grades and a grade four and a grade five.

"I am really happy with my results as I worked hard" he said.

"I am going to Bridgwater College in September to study Aerospace Engineering."

The school says a number of students gave 'outstanding' individual performances, which include: Finley McDiarmid Grade 9 in English Language, Grade 7 in English Literature, Grade 8 in maths, 1 A* grade, 3 A grades, 2 B grades and a double Distinction *

Thomas Nullmeyers Grade 9 in English Language, Grade 7 in English Literature, Grade 8 in maths, 1 A* grade, 5 A grades and 2 B grades

Ewan Murdoch Grade 8 in English Language, Grade 7 in English Literature, Grade 7 in maths, 2 A* grade, 3 A grades, 2 B grades and a double Distinction *"