HARD work gained its reward at Verdin High School in Winsford.

Excellent results were achieved with some 98 per cent of pupils passing at least one GCSE, 40 per cent of the grades awarded were at grade C or above and 35 per cent achieved five or more A to C grades.

Head teacher Neil Dyment was delighted that 93 per cent of the year group passed five or more GCSEs at A to G grade.

"The pupils have worked extremely hard and should be very proud of their achievements," he said. "I was very impressed with the performance of all students, in particular those of moderate and lower ability who worked very hard and reached their full potential."

Leading high achievers were James Cooper, who gained six A*s and four As and Lara Walford, who gained seven A*s, one A and one B.

They were closely followed by Sarah Forster, Victoria Owen, Sarah Banks, Helen Flanagan, David Plumb, Vicki Woodier and Julie Dickenson.

Seven students from Year 10 passed GCSE maths a year early. They are:- James Allen, Liam Cotton, Thomas Gallagher, Michelle Gooley, Stephen Hamer, Deborah Harradine and Daniel Owen.

Mr Dyment added: "As head teacher I would extend my personal congratulations to all students on their hard work."

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