A ROSS-on-Wye school has been placed in the top five percent of schools and colleges nationally for its 2018 A level results.

John Kyrle High School's performance was measured against more than 2,000 schools and colleges in England and Wales.

Last year's result of 62 per cent of students achieving A* to B has been taken into account, along with the strong performance during the last three years.

Headteacher Nigel Griffiths congratulated his students and also thanked his staff and trustees for their commitment.

He said: "Within our mantra of ‘Happy, Healthy, Successful’ we aim to improve the life chances of young people.

"We want students to enjoy school, make friends, be tolerant, laugh, learn, persevere and give their best."

Chris Baird, director of children and families at Herefordshire Council, wrote to Mr Griffiths and Denise Strutt, chairwoman of trustees, to congratulate students and staff on the "fantastic achievement" and "exceptional performance".

Mr Baird noted: "Strong examination results are achieved though excellent teaching and the hard work of students and staff.

"This does not, however, happen in isolation but is a product of a school environment where teachers know and value their students and where pastoral support for students and a wide range of curriculum opportunities and experiences allows them to be happy and successful."

Mr Griffiths said he had sent information on John Kyrle’s A level success to partner primary school headteachers.

He said that without the excellent foundations gained at primary school, students would not be able to flourish at secondary school.