HIGH achieving students from Evesham have shown they can hold their own among the world's brightest sixth formers.

Jacob Buckley, from Evesham, and Sophie Rankin, from Pershore, were the top achievers at St Benedict's Sixth Form in the International Baccalaureate diploma.

The qualification is an internationally respected qualification and is thought to be a passport to top universities.

Jacob gained 41 points and Sophie gained 40, way above the global average of 30.

The scores put them among the top five per cent of IB students internationally.

Also doing well was Anisha Joseph, from Evesham, and Jack Lesson, from Bidford, who both scored 39 points. Holly Gorton, from Broadway, gained 38 points followed by Benedict Gannon from Evesham with 37 points.

It means the school's top performers were from the Evesham area, even though the Catholic school is over the border in Alcester, Warwickshire.

The school's IB students achieved an average points score of 33 - comfortably exceeding the global average of 30 and giving the pupils more UCAS points than three A* at A-level.

At the school, 95 per cent of those who took their IB Diploma gained the qualification.

Headteacher, Nick Gibson, said: “We are delighted with another excellent set of IB results.

"They prove that our students really are among the best in the world.

"The IB diploma represents the ‘gold standard’ in preparing our young people for both higher education and the world of work in the global arena.

"It provides critical thinking skills and a breadth of experience and knowledge which offers our students a competitive edge."

Simon Smallman, head of sixth form, added: "The achievement of our students is testament to their hard work, the backing of their families, and our fantastic teaching and support staff.

“The professionalism, dedication, hard work, care, and hours of support provided by our staff have paid off and we can feel justifiably proud of our school."