St Katherine’s School is celebrating some of its best ever A-level exam results.

North Somerset Times: Erin Pearce writing a thank you postcard to teachers.Erin Pearce writing a thank you postcard to teachers. (Image: Supplied)

The number of students achieving A*-C grades jumped to 78 per cent this year – up from 63 per cent in 2016 – while the overall pass rate has also increased to 98 per cent.

However, the number of students getting A*-A grades has dropped to 17 per cent from last year’s figure of 18 per cent.

North Somerset Times: St Katherine's School pupils receiving their results.St Katherine's School pupils receiving their results. (Image: Archant)

The majority of students have secured their first choice university placements while others are moving on to high level apprenticeships with groups including Network Rail and North Somerset Council.

Yusuf Ibrahim, head of sixth form at the school, said: “We are extremely proud of all our students who have worked incredibly hard and achieved record-breaking results.

North Somerset Times: Students receiving their results.Students receiving their results. (Image: Archant)

“There have been many exceptional performances which are testament to the dedication and perseverance shown by our students, as well as teachers and parents.

“These results have opened doors for our year 13’s and they now successfully move on to university, apprenticeships and employment.”

North Somerset Times: Pete Harris and Ellie SedlenPete Harris and Ellie Sedlen (Image: Archant)

High-achieving students included Alistair Mitchell who secured three A’s in maths, physics and further maths. He is now heading to Sheffield to study mechanical engineering.

Headteacher Justin Humphreys praised the school’s ‘determined’ and ‘committed’ students and staff.

North Somerset Times: Joe Jones and Joe CrutchleyJoe Jones and Joe Crutchley (Image: Archant)

He said: “These excellent results reflect the hard work and determination of students and their teachers, and I would like to congratulate them all.

“I am delighted to see that students have performed exceptionally well across academic and vocational subjects, and are being rewarded for their commitment and dedication over the past two years.

North Somerset Times: James McCabe, Matthew Pope, Ella Davies and Merryn Purvis.James McCabe, Matthew Pope, Ella Davies and Merryn Purvis. (Image: Archant)

“As year 13 leave our school community, we wish them all the very best for successful futures in their chosen pathways.”

North Somerset Times: Harry Canby, Tom Mitchell, Andy Weetch and Jacob Marks.Harry Canby, Tom Mitchell, Andy Weetch and Jacob Marks. (Image: Archant)