HOLBROOK: Students at Holbrook High School have bucked the national trend after achieving outstanding English GCSE results.

THE school, which was put into special measures by regulator Ofsted earlier this year, said it is “absolutely delighted”.

Of the 102 students sitting GCSEs this summer, 60 per cent achieved five A* to C including English and maths – a 5pc rise on last year.

Excluding English and maths, 74pc gained five A* to C grades – an 17pc rise.

Deputy headteacher Nicola Shelley said in English language 71pc of students gained A* to C while in maths 72pc received A* to C.

This year’s national results show that in the English GCSE, 63.9pc of entries got at least a C, compared to 65.4pc last summer. In English literature, 76.3pc of exams were awarded A*-C, compared to 78.4pc last year.

Following the turbulent year at the school, which is now an academy, Ms Shelley said the results are a “great foundation” for the staff and students to build upon.

She said: “We are delighted – students, staff, the whole school.Obviously there is more to do but this is a great foundation to go forwards.”

Jane Gould, chair of the board of governors, added: “We are very pleased and congratulate all the students and staff.

“We need to analyse the results in detail but believe this represents good progress along the road out of special measures.”

Despite a mix-up affecting 24 music technology students when the school failed to register with the exam board, no teenagers were affected, with all students getting into their sixth form of choice.

In music GCSE all students taking the exam passed, with 81pc achieving A* to C.

What do you think of Holbrook’s results? Write to Your Letters, Ipswich Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail starletters@archant.co.uk