An academy that teaches scores of Uttoxeter pupils has smashed the national average pass rate for revamped English and maths exams.
Painsley Catholic College, in Cheadle, is celebrating outstanding GCSE results, with 90 per cent of students passing English and 88 per cent passing maths.
This stacks up favourably against the national averages of 72 and 69 per cent respectively.
Like many schools, the academy, which takes pupils from St Joseph's Catholic Primary School, in Uttoxeter, did not provide its overall pass rate, which will be revealed in GCSE league tables in October.
It is widely thought this years exams were tougher and an entirely new grading system was brought in for English and maths.
A school spokesman said: "The college is delighted with an amazing 35 students out of 194 achieving the new top grade nine in English and maths.
"This is particularly pleasing as grade 9 is not the same as A*; it is a new grade, designed to recognise the very highest performing students.
"All remaining subjects have achieved to an excellent standard with average attainment increasing from last year’s record results. The results place Painsley as one of the highest achieving schools in the whole of the country."
Stephen Bell, principal at the college, said, "I am delighted to report these wonderful results. Like all principals, I was anxious about the changes that have been made by the government with the new, more demanding GCSEs placing additional expectations on individuals.
"However, the students and staff have shown their determination to achieve the highest possible grades. I am very proud of the responsible attitude that the students adopt towards their studies and am full of praise for the staff who motivate them to achieve their potential.
"The results secure the college's reputation as a centre of excellence where children are happy and successful in a caring, studious and disciplined environment.
"To achieve these results in evermore rigorous GCSE examinations is testimony to the efforts of the students, staff, parents and directors."
Prospective parents will have the opportunity to visit the college on Wednesday, September 20 at 7pm for a tour and talk from senior staff.
