Students at Monmouth Comprehensive School achieved outstanding examination grades last week. Across all subject areas there has been a significant increase in attainment, with many students achieving a galaxy of A* stars. The school has recorded its best ever results, with the vast majority of students achieving the top grades. 93 per cent of students achieved five A*to C grades, which is one of the measures used by Government. Mathematics, English and science all achieved 10 to 12 per cent higher, which was also reflected across the majority of subject areas. Many students achieved A* and As across eight subjects or more, including English and Mathematics. Some of the top achievers were: Frances Dowle, Henry Edwards, Harry Lloyd, Reuben Pierrrepoint, Megan Kinniment-Williams, Bethan Morgan, Annicca Prince, Lara Gordon, Jodie-Anne Lowton, Natasha Chandra, Alice Gable, Finchley Harwood, Sarah Brice, Benedict Allen, Ben Warmington, Grace Allan, Phillipa Parry, Bethany Morgan, Ani Steele, James Johnston, Jessica Williams, Sam Winder, Jessica Netherway, Georgia Jones, Daisy Girardet, Charlotte Bancroft, Georgia Howe, Gemma Landsbert, Calvin Burke, Edward Goldsmith, James Green, Ben Colewell, Dan Thomas, Megan Lewis, Amber Doughty. Headteacher Vaughan Davies praised the work of students and staff. He said: "These have been anxious times for students, parents and staff because information from the examination regulator at the start of the summer was warning of a deflation in grades. "There was a lot of uncertainty. Today, though, we are all celebrating and are delighted for our students. "They have excelled. These fantastic results are down to their hard work and determination, as well as that of the staff. "The staff at our school work relentlessly to make sure every student achieves the best they can in their examinations. "It is not, though, just about examinations. It is about the whole child. It is about developing resilient, enthusiastic and creative individuals who have the drive and ambition to lead their lives." The Head of English, Mr N Jones, was proud of what students had achieved. "This is our best ever year and we were warned that grades might go down after changes made to the examination assessment criteria," he said. "Our students have not just achieved well, they have broken all records. I am also impressed with the results of our boys. "There is a national picture of boys not achieving as highly in English. This year, our boys have raised the bar." Miss Summons, the Progress Leader for Year 11, was ecstatic in her praise for all the students, parents and staff. "They are just brilliant. They have been the best Year Group I could have wished for. It has been a wonderful five years leading the students to this incredible success," she said. The school is also in its fourth year of entering students for the Welsh Baccalaureate and achieved a 100 per cent pass rate. No student left without a qualification and attendance at the school has risen to an all-time high of 96 per cent, which is above national benchmarks. For more pictures, visit http://www.monmouthshirebeacon.newsprints.co.uk">www.monmouthshirebeacon.newsprints.co.uk