GIGGLESWICK School is celebrating a 38 per cent increase in its A* and A grades at A level.

Mark Turnbull, the independent school's head teacher, said:“At a time of such great change in education, we are delighted to be exceeding national expectations with some excellent results again this year. What pleases me most is the diversity of achievements across so many different subject areas.”

Giggleswick has enjoyed a long tradition of excellence in performing arts and this year’s A level results show that drama and music are flourishing with all students achieving A* and B grades in theatre studies and in music too, says the school.

In addition, modern languages are thriving at the school, with all students taking the subjects achieving A* or B grades.

Maths students performed well, with 90 per cent achieving A* to B, while of those taking art A level, 88 per cent achieved the top A* to B.

Instead of taking a fourth A level, all at the school take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with 78 per cent achieving A* to B grades.

More and more students are also choosing to study BTECs and 72 per cent achieved the top two grades, providing them with the same access to leading universities as top A levels.

Many of the school's pupils have secured their first choices for university, including Imperial College, London; St Andrew's, Scotland; Durham and Nottingham, where they will be studying a range of subjects including engineering, architecture, biochemistry,

law and film.

Mr Turnbull added: “At Giggleswick we love to embrace and nurture talents of all kinds. Academic success is important of course, but what these results don’t show are the achievements of our students outside the classroom as well as in. Alongside their studies, this year’s leavers have become national athletes, award-winning musicians, West End actors, and even a motor racing champion too. We are very proud to be celebrating so many remarkable journeys and we wish them every success in their lives beyond Giggleswick.”