There were tears of joy and hugs all round as 73 per cent of students achieved at least five A*-C GCSE grades.

Nerves were jangling outside the main entrance as eager students waited to hear how they had fared in the exams before they were called inside to pick up the important envelopes.

But there was no need to worry as the whole school celebrated a 10 per cent improvement in last year’s A*-C results including English and maths.

John Wells, headteacher, said: “All members of Clevedon School are extremely proud of these achievements.

“Students have been able to enjoy their five years at the school and have experience a wide range of activities and opportunities to take leadership roles in a strong community-based school which supports students, whatever their starting point.

“I am delighted that so many of our students will now go on to study at Clevedon School sixth form which will provide them with further personalised learning pathways and a strong platform to make further choices at 18 years old.”