The top 12 students gained 129 A* and A grades between them and half the year group achieved at least on A* or A grade.

Jess Boles, 16, of Well Street, Langham gave out a whoop of delight then burst into tears when she read her results yesterday morning. The clever pupil who hopes to become an interpreter achieved six A*, seven As and one B and is moving on to Rutland College to study Chemistry, French, Germany and Maths at A level.

She said: "I'm really, really pleased and my parents (Jacqui and Stan) are delighted. I thought I'd failed my English Language and I got an A!"

She was celebrating her success with best friend Charlotte Taylor, 16, of Harewood Close, Langham who also received an impressive set of results - six As, one A *, four Bs and 2 Cs.
Charlotte, who is hoping for a career in Science or Engineerings said: "I'm really pleased, I got better results than I thought."

Gary Austin, 16, of Suthern Close, Oakham took Music GCSE a year early and gained an A* grade in 2007; this year he added to that with an impressive five further A*, six As and two Cs. The modest student who hopes to become professional usician said: "I'm quite surprised with the results. I owe everything to the teachers, without them I wouldn't have been able to get these results."

Harriet Clewlow, 16, of Irwell Close, Oakham achieved three A*, eight As and two Bs. Her good grades had been predicted but she was still delighted. She said:"I was surprised at how many A* I had got."

Head Boy Alastair Pinder, of Partridge Way, Oakham was another high flyer with four A* ,six As one B and two Cs. The 16 year old will be moving on to Stamford Endowed School to study Further Maths and hopes to become a Stockbroker.
He said: "I'm really delighted with my results and I'd like to thank the teachers."

The fantastic results have given retiring Principal Peter Green the best leaving present possible. He said:"I am thrilled that the vast majority of our students have done so well; 99 per cent achieved qualificiations, of which 94 per cent gained five or more pass grades. We are particularly pleased with these results as we are an inclusive college with enhanced provision for those with special educational needs."