THIS year's GCSE results prove that students at Bedford High make excellent progress during their time at the Leigh school.

Fifty four per cent of the year 11 students achieved the top line five A* to C grades and the vast majority of students have made outstanding strides while at the school.

The number of A* and A grades doubled compared with last year, with 50 per cent or more of physics, biology and English literature results being these top grades.

Almost one in five grades achieved at Bedford this year was a top grade.

The academic excellence was reflected in the individual achievements of many students.

Special mention must go to Tom Draper, who received a perfect set of 11 straight A* results.

Head teacher Helen Phillips paid tribute to an excellent year group who worked extremely hard to achieve their best.

She said: “Once again our GCSE results are a testament to the commitment and dedication of both our year 11 students and our staff, alongside the support and encouragement of their families.

“We have seen some outstanding individual achievements and as a year group we can say that they have succeeded thanks to a pattern of continuous improvement throughout their high school career.

"We are also proud of the fact that 100 per cent of students achieved passes this year.

"Every student will leave Bedford with useful qualifications.”

After receiving their GCSE results on Thursday a significant number of the year group immediately headed for Winstanley College to sit interviews for A-level places.

The school also hosted a mini-careers guidance session on results day, with employers and further education institutions on hand to give the young people expert advice.

For high-flyer Rosie Riding, her haul of A*s, As and Bs means she can now go on to study A-levels at Bolton Sixth Form College.

“I am really pleased with my results,” Rosie said. “I am looking forward to the next step in my education, going on to do my A-levels.

"These results have given me the opportunity to do this and it’s all thanks to the support I have received at school.”

Fellow GCSE star Brittany Kearns wants to use her good grades to continue her studies, with the eventual aim of becoming a doctor.

Brittany said: “I am really pleased with my results and very excited about the future.

"Bedford has been a fantastic school and the teachers have helped us so much in the run up to the exams. There have been lots of extra study and revision sessions and it has really made a difference.

"Thanks to my time at Bedford I can now go after what I really want to do in life.”

Mrs Phillips added: “We wish all our students the very best for the future.

"Part of our job here is to pave the way for our students to make the most of the opportunities available to them.

"It is clear from this year’s results that many of them will be able to go on and pursue the careers, apprenticeships and further education options they want, which is great news for everyone.”

Bedford High School will be hosting its annual open evening for parents of prospective students on Thursday, September 29, with Mrs Phillips giving a presentation in ‘U’ Block Hall at 6.30pm and again at 7.30pm.

The school will be open for everyone to see the facilities and speak to staff and students, and student guided tours will also be available.

Parents and guardians can arrange to visit the school at any time by contacting Bedford High on 01942 486386 during the school day or e-mailing enquiries@bedford.wigan.sch.uk.

For more information about Bedford High School visit bedfordhighschool.co.uk.