Darton lad Liam Warhurst was expected to get E and F grades in his GCSEs but surprised himself and did well enough to go to college.

The 16-year-old got ten GCSEs including one A and two Cs which meant he could rethink his future.

“I would have got a job but I can go into college now - I’m very pleased.” He wants to be an electrician.

Many of the pupils of Darton High emerged yesterday morning waving their results in joy.

Assistant headteacher Mike Drury said it was particularly good that 98 per cent got at least one A-G grade.

He said: “That is way beyond the targets we expected. As individuals they have performed very very well.”

The pass rate for pupils receiving five A-C grades was 48 per cent.

Top boy was James Hemingway who got six A*s, four As and one B. He plans to go to college and university and wants to work as an architect.

Sarah Holliday was top girl with nine and a half A*s and one A. She said she was shocked, happy and relieved. She wants to be a scientist.

Headteacher Simon Hill said he was delighted with the success of so many of the students.

“For some this means a string of top grades. For others a few basic passes in key subjects represents a positive outcome.

“What matters to us is that individual boys and girls achieve their potential and get the rewards for all their hard work.”

Students and parents are invited to an awards evening on Wednesday November 1.