AFTER a difficult academic year affected by the coronavirus pandemic, Year 11 students at St Benedict's School in Ealing have been celebrating their excellent GCSE results earlier today (August 12).

Students received an incredible number of 9-7 grades (formerly A*/A), with 73.1%, while over half of grades (51.1%) were 9-8 (formerly A*).

In order to attain their grades, the students had to sit a series of assessments under exam conditions, which their teachers then marked and graded against criteria given by examination boards.

Headmaster, Andrew Johnson, said: "I am very proud of our Year 11 students, whose hard work and determination have led them to achieve such impressive results.

"The stresses and uncertainties of the past 18 months have been difficult for all of us, but particularly so for young people taking public exams.

"Their teachers have also worked very hard, in difficult circumstances, to support GCSE candidates, and they also deserve our thanks and congratulations."

This follows the outstanding A Levels results that Bennies students received earlier this week, with 65.4% being A*/A.