GCSE students at Stockport Grammar enjoyed celebrating their outstanding results, with 58 per cent of grades awarded at A* to A or 9, 8 and 7.

Thirty pupils achieved nine or more of these top grades.

New Headmaster Dr Paul Owen said: “I am absolutely delighted by the exceptional success of our GCSE students.

"These fantastic grades are the result of a huge amount of work by students and staff at a time when the syllabuses and exams are changing significantly. I congratulate all our students.”

Amongst the success stories were Lauryn Howard, Pippa Brown, Zahra Butt and Phoebe Micklefield, who won first place in the national Alan Turing Cryptography Competition organised by Manchester University.

Between them, the quartet achieved 27 A*s (including one with distinction), nine 9s, an A, two Bs and a 7.

Keen sportsman Sameer Javid worked hard for his seven A*s, two 9s and an 8 and is looking forward to starting A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Thomas Cope was “made up” with his three A*s, an A, two Bs and an 8.

Thomas, who enjoys cricket and playing the piano, will go on to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economics at A Level.

Beth Taylor, who plays netball for Leeds Rhinos, was delighted with her eight A*s, a 9 and an A. While England team skier Millie Cowell was overjoyed to secure a mix of A*s, As, Bs, 8s, 7s and 6s after combining studies with her intensive training programme.