SOUTH Craven School at Cross Hills has paid tribute to the "superb achievements" of its year-11 students.

Headteacher Martyn Hill described the GCSE results as excellent, with 77 per cent of students achieving a grade four or better in English and 75 per cent earning the grade in mathematics – both improvements on last year.

He said he was also proud of the pupils' performance in many other subjects, such as history – where the number of students achieving grade four or better increased by 12 per cent – and BTEC sport science, in which 34 per cent of students achieved a distinction* or distinction grade.

Top individual performers included Hannah Lucas, who achieved seven grade nines, two grade eights and a distinction*; Tansy Whitfield, who gained five grade nines, two grade eights, a grade seven, distinction* and distinction, and David Carter-Guschal, with four grade nines, three grade eights, one grade A, two grade sevens and a distinction.

Mr Hill also praised students who had made "outstanding progress" during their time at the school.

According to the school's early so-called Progress 8 calculations, pupils who made most progress were Ehsan Ejaz, Jordan Cant, Grace Owthwaite, Liam Greenwood and Khuram Asif.

"I would like to congratulate the top performers but also every one of our students for their achievements," added Mr Hill.

"I'd also like to thank parents and guardians for their strong support of the school and all the staff for the hard work that went into achieving these results."

Chris Bell, who led the year group throughout Key Stage 4, said: "These results represent the determination and tenacity of a fantastic cohort of young people.

"They go to show what focus, preparation and confidence can deliver.

"I would also like to pass on my thanks to staff and parents for all the support they have provided, which has been key in allowing our students to reach these levels of excellence."