PUPILS, parents and staff at Stockport Grammar School are celebrating another year of outstanding A Level results.

With a 100 per cent pass rate and more than 55 per cent of all exams taken graded at A* or A, as well as more than 85 per cent at A* to B, the results are only fractionally short of last year’s record.

Forty-one per cent of the year have gained at least one A*, with 27 pupils gaining a mixture of A* and As. Five pupils have been accepted at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Among this year’s successful candidates are Kaysan Nikkhah and George Toole, both of whom gained 4A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics and who, earlier in the year, were on the winning team at the regional final of the National Maths Challenge.

Kaysan is going to study Maths and Economics at London School of Economics, with aspirations to work in banking or fund management, while George will be furthering his studies at Durham University.

Senior Prefect Lauren Fowler is heading to Clare College, Cambridge to study medicine, after achieving 2A*s and 2As.

Lauren is well-prepared for her chosen career in medicine, having already undertaken medical research at the University of Manchester, as part of the Nuffield Science Project.

Lauren’s research was also shortlisted as one of the top five senior science and maths projects at the National Science and Engineering Competition in London.

Accomplished musician, Sam Holmes achieved an A* and 2As in music, geography and religious studies and has been awarded a place at Robinson College, Cambridge to pursue music and choral studies. Sam has made an outstanding contribution to the musical life of the school, playing piano, violin and singing in the various orchestras and choirs, as well as being selected to play in numerous orchestras outside of school such as the Halle Youth Orchestra. His music has seen him travel extensively to perform in prestigious venues both in the UK and abroad. Not only has Sam managed to achieve impressive A Level results, but he has shown firm commitment to his musical career, practising 2 hours per day and passing his Grade 8 Violin at the age of just 14.

Senior prefect Katie McCay was awarded an A* and 3As in maths, further maths, chemistry and physics and will continue her studies at St Andrews. As well as maintaining a strong academic record, Katie has been a vital member of the school’s hockey squad and worked towards her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award, the highlight of which was presenting Prince Edward with A Walkers’ Guide to the Lake District, which she co-authored.

Anirudh Mandagere will continue his keen interest in history at Oxford University, having gained one A* and 3As. As well as his participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at gold level, Anirudh has been a regular fixture in the school’s Archive Office, volunteering his time to help delve into the school’s past and keep records up-to-date.

Pupils with artistic flair, Philip Ellis and Olivia Harrison both leave to pursue careers in fashion. Philip, whose stunning A Level artwork earned him an A*, will initially complete an art foundation course at Manchester Metropolitan University, while Olivia will be studying at the London College of Fashion. Both have already made in-roads in the fashion world, with Philip having modelled at London Fashion Week earlier this year and Olivia being a regular fashion blogger.

Headmaster Andrew Chicken said: “Congratulations to our girls and boys – they thoroughly deserve their excellent results. They have worked really hard both inside and outside the classroom throughout their time here and I am sure they will go onto achieve considerable success at the top universities.”