FOUR Wharfedale students at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) are celebrating a clean sweep of 10 GCSEs at the coveted grade 9 today.

They are: Henry Brooks, from Bramhope; Zoe Mutamiri, from Bradford; Oluwaseyitan Olusoga, from Menston; and Oliver Smith, from Stainburn.

Also joining in the celebrations are Isobel Jackson, from Ilkley, who notched up nine GCSEs at grade 9 and one at grade 8, plus Archie Fuller, from Otley, with eight at grade 9 and two at grade 8 to add to the grade 9 GCSE in astronomy, which he sat in his spare time last year.

Archie’s achievements were all the more poignant for him and his family as he is dyslexic.

Over half (57 per cent) of GSAL students achieved the top GCSE grades of 7 or above in every subject – the equivalent of A*/A under the previous system.

More than half (61 per cent) of all grades were at 8 and 9, with 38 per cent at the highly sought-after grade 9. Overall, all passes were at 4 or above.

Forty-nine students scooped 10 grade 8s or 9s in every subject, including the 13 who secured the top grade of 9 in all of their GCSEs.

Principal Sue Woodroofe said: “I could not be more proud of everything that our GCSE students have achieved; this year’s results are richly deserved. And of course, we pay tribute to the teamwork evident from their dedicated and supportive teachers and parents who have encouraged them every step of the way over these past 16 months.

“Despite everything, this year has seen our young people dig deep and show real resilience as they have faced up to the challenges of the pandemic. To see their strength, confidence and commitment grow has been a privilege and it will prove to be a bedrock long into their futures.”