IT’S one of the best schools in the country, yet its pupils were just as anxious as anywhere else as, smiling nervously, they collected their GCSE results.

Congregating in reception at Kings’ School, Winchester, they peeped nervously into their results envelopes. Friends stood close by, peering into their faces to gauge their achievements.

Many bit their knuckles as they digested their results; others let out whoops of delight and embraced each other.

The majority were in a celebratory mood: 90 per cent of pupils achieved five or more A* to C grades; three-quarters did so with English and Maths.

Sue Lawrence, head teacher, said: “I’m absolutely delighted, thrilled, relieved, excited, but, most of all, pleased for the pupils because they deserve it.”

Among the school’s high achievers was Shreya Chugh, with 11 A*s as well as As in a Free Standing Maths Qualification and a Geography AS level.

The 16-year-old, of Bassett Meadow, Southampton, said: “I’m over the moon. I was hoping for results like this, I’m just so happy it’s come true!”

The teenager, who hopes to become a doctor, is heading to Peter Symonds College to do A-levels in biology, chemistry, maths and French.

Another high-performing school was Perins, at Alresford. As last year, 88 per cent scored five or more A* to C grades, 79 per cent with English and Maths included, up two per cent on 2009’s figures.

“We are absolutely delighted with our 2010 results,” said head teacher, Janice Bernard. “They are, yet again, an improvement on the year before and our students have achieved well in a range of subjects.”

Meanwhile, Henry Beaufort boasted its best results yet: 84 per cent left the school with five or more A* to C grades, up eight per cent on 2009. But when English and Maths are included, that figure drops to 65 per cent, down one per cent on last year.

Among its top pupils was South Wonston 16-year-old, Christina Kousseff, who netted 12 A*s.

Head teacher, Jonathan de Sausmarez, said: “I’m absolutely delighted with the school’s best results: 84 per cent are leaving with five excellent qualifications and it’s an enormous credit to them, the staff and the parents who support the school.”

Westgate’s new head teacher, Paul Nicholson, enjoyed a good first results day: 85 per cent of pupils obtained five or more A* to C grades, 77 per cent with English and Maths. Both figures were an improvement on last year.

Mr Nicholson said: “We’re absolutely thrilled and delighted with the results. We’re particularly pleased with the number of pupils that have achieved five A-C grades with English and Maths.”

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