JUST 2,000 GCSE students in the whole of England achieved the new 9 grade in all three new-format subjects, and two of them are friends at Wadham School.

Sophie Fielder and Caitlin Horne were overjoyed to learn that they'd achieved the ultimate result in their exams.

Caitlin was first to pick up her results and was totally amazed and overcome with tears of joy. She then shared in Sophie's excitement in matching this superb achievement.

The new 1 to 9 grading system introduced in three subjects this year splits A* and A into grades 7 to 9, so a lower proportion of candidates have achieved a 9 than previously gained A*s under the traditional A*-G grading system.

Overall at Wadham, two thirds of students gained the benchmark pass in English and Maths – an impressively pleasing result in the new exams.

At the top end 20 students gained  or more A* and A grades or their 7 to 9 equivalent in English and Maths.

Caitlin Horne, Sophie Feilder and Grace Dean achieved A*, A or equivalent in all their subjects, Ed Collins in all but one and Chris Bagwell in all but two.

Headteacher David Derbyshire said: “These results reflect the hard work and determination on the part of the students and the skill of staff in providing individual support and guiding them to success.

"Our students deserve their success and we are very proud of them and their achievements.

"We are now looking forward to working with many of them as they move into the Sixth Form at Wadham.

"We wish all of them well for the future. The school will continue to focus on supporting all our students to achieve their very best.”