Last Thursday, 22nd September was a day of joint celebrations within the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership. Students from both Norton Hill and Somervale Schools collected their GCSE results and there was much excitement, followed by jubilation, as they realised just how well they had done. The grades awarded to students at both schools this year have surpassed all expectations.

At Norton Hill, the percentage of students achieving five good GCSE passes, including both English and Mathematics, was 65%, significantly above the national average. 92% of students at Norton Hill also achieved five GCSE grades at A*–C, the highest ever in the school's history.

On all measures, the school smashed national averages. The EBacc (how many students gain a C or above in certain key subjects) topped 40%, well over double the national rate and 10% higher than results in 2012.

95% of subjects at the school also exceeded the national bench marks for progress, something which is almost unheard of in education circles. The number of A*–A grades also rocketed, with over a quarter of all grades awarded at A*–A and nearly 60% of grades at A*–B.

In Mathematics, over 30% of grades were A*–A and 85% of students achieved two or more Science GCSE grades at C or above. English results were also high, with 75% of students achieving a C or above, significantly higher than the national figure, despite the Government's determination to prevent grade inflation.

Although all students performed well, some outcomes achieved by students at Norton Hill were exceptional. Marianne Adams, Kate Garner, Sarah Palmer and Shayam Sawney all secured eight or more A*–A grades. Other high flyers included Thomas Spiring, Jennifer Crouch, Alice Davidson and Harry Jones, all achieving seven or more A*–A grades. It was also a pleasure to see lots of other students celebrating who achieved some excellent results because they had worked hard and applied themselves diligently to revision. Many exceeded their targets to gain places in the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form and whilst they may not have got lots of A*s, they achieved a good range of A, B and C grades.

At Somervale, there was yet more stories of great success following the 'good' OFSTED grading in January 2013. 54% of students achieved five A*–C grade passes, including English and Maths, with 91% gaining five or more GCSE grades at A*–C, the highest ever in the school's history. The EBacc measure of achievement in academic subjects also moved past the national average and stands at 23%. Mathematics outcomes achieved were the highest ever with 72% of students achieving A*–C. The number of points scored by students at Somervale across their subjects was the best in the school's history and, once again, surpassed both school-set targets and the national benchmarks. Students collecting their results were delighted with their achievements and because outcomes are so much higher this year, nearly 60% will be staying on to study at the Midsomer Norton Sixth Form.

A number of students achieved some outstanding outcomes. Robert Mateer 5 A* and 706 points, Rory Morgan 5 A* and 706 points, Bethany Down 3 A* and 731 points, Charlie Fricker 2 A* and 644 points and Jack Hill 2 A* and 615. To put the points achieved by these students across their subjects into context, the national average is approximately 470 points.

Headteacher of both Norton Hill and Somervale Schools, Alun Williams, said; "I am absolutely delighted by the results from both schools. Norton Hill has exceeded all national averages once again and subjects across the board have performed exceptionally well, including English, Maths and Science.

"At Somervale, a number of the results are the best the school have ever had and it was a pleasure to see so many happy faces receiving excellent grades. I am really pleased for both schools and thank all the staff and students for their hard work. Parents must also get a mention as they have been incredibly supportive of both schools and, of course, their children. I wish all our students at both schools the best of luck for the future."