RYEDALE School achieved an “excellent” set of GCSE results this year, with 72 per cent of the year group achieving a grade 4 or above in English and maths.

Among the headline figures, 31 per cent of students achieved grade 7, 8 or 9, the equivalent to the old A*/A. Six students – Alex Bailey, Harry McMurry, Hanna Ellam, Connor Saxby, Herbert Antcliff and Ethan Hawtin – achieved five or more grade 9s.

Executive head teacher Mark McCandless said: “These results are extremely impressive, however, most importantly, students of all abilities who have worked hard throughout their time at Ryedale have achieved in line with their potential.

“We are confident that the superb progress our students have made since joining our school will be reflected in our Progress 8 score.

“I am very proud of the way our students have performed and would like to thank everyone involved for their hard work in securing such an impressive set of results. I wish every student happiness and success for the future.”

Pupil Harold Thompson said: “I was really nervous about getting my results, especially science, but I am really happy.

“I even used a scientific equation in my chemistry paper from Breaking Bad. I am looking forward to starting public services at Askham Bryan College in September – I am hoping to join either the army or police force.”

Thomas Large, who is going to York College to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry, said: “I am celebrating by sleeping – I have not slept properly for two nights because I was so nervous.”

Domenica Wilkinson, the school’s secondary director, said: “These results are very well deserved and reflect the hard work of our students, the great teaching provided by the Ryedale staff and the support they have received from their families.”

“I would like to wish our students all the very best as they embark upon their chosen courses.”