ALL but two pupils taking GCSEs this year at King’s gained at least five passes from A* - C.

One of the pair still managed to achieve A* results in all of the four subjects he took, despite being affected by illness throughout much of the year.

Two pupils, James Elderfield and Duncan Leeson, gained A* grades in all 10 subjects taken.

In all, 27 pupils achieved an A* or an A in 10 or more subjects, and 60 pupils had at least eight of these top two grades.

The overall pass rate at A* - C grade was 97.9%.

Headteacher Tim Keyessaid: "The boys and girls have done really well.

"This year, it is the turn of the boys to be slightly in the lead, and this certainly bucks the national trend.

"I am always impressed with the mature and dedicated approach that our students take towards their exams.

"They know how important they are to their future and this concentrates the mind.

"They also get on really well with their teachers who, for their part, are always ready to go the extra mile.

"I am particularly pleased to note such strong results in maths and the sciences.”