Monmouth School and Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls were delighted with this year's excellent results as the schools celebrated their second cohort of iGCSE science results alongside their usual GCSE results.

The schools switched to iGCSE in biology, chemistry and physics and history at HMSG, a more rigorous examination equivalent to an old O-level, to ensure that all their students were stretched and better able to face the challenges of A-levels and university.

Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls (HMSG) achieved a 97.5 per cent pass rate (A* to C grade) and Monmouth School achieved a 94.9 per cent pass rate.

HMSG achieved their best ever A*/A grades with a record number of A*s at 46.9 per cent and 75.91 per cent receiving A*/A. 27 girls (37 per cent of the cohort) achieved A*/A in every subject.

Monmouth School recorded 58.4 per cent A*/A grades, well above the national average of 21.3 per cent.

Poppy Thompson, who this summer has cycled 760 miles from Bristol to Berne, raising over £15,000, plays Lacrosse for Wales and Wales Hub Netball achieved nine A*s, two As and a distinction in additional maths.

Lizzie Rhodes, The Times Junior SuDoku Champion 2011 and 2012, achieved 12 A*s and a distinction in additional maths. GB rower Emma Richardson achieved four A*s, five As and a B. Rhiannon Symonds achieved five A*s, two As and two Bs while competing in the BBC Young Musician of the Year competition.

Twenty-two boys achieved all A*/A grades. Alex Buhaenko, who recently represented Monmouth School in the Welsh Junior Men's Team at the Home International Regatta in Nottingham, achieved seven A*s, two As and one B.

Oliver Stokes, Welsh Champion in Medium Dressage 2012, achieved three A*s, three As and four Bs.

Helen Davy, headmistress of HMSG, said: "These are record A*/A results and are a reflection of the girls' talents and commitment under the guidance of their dedicated teachers.

"We are delighted at how well the girls rose to the challenge of iGCSE science and history. 11 girls gained national sporting honours while managing to achieve 50 A* and 35 A grades between them.

"I feel confident that HMSG girls will continue to develop into well-rounded, confident individuals who will make their mark in life in the sixth form and beyond."

Dr Steven Connors, headmaster of Monmouth School, said: "These results are tremendous and show that the boys have performed well across the board.

"They should be very proud of all that they have achieved, and I would also like to thank the teachers for their support, encouragement and unwavering commitment.

"Alongside the boys' GCSE school work, they have managed to achieve outstanding success beyond the curriculum at international level; some of them even an arduous expedition trekking in Borneo this summer."