Year 11 pupils from Hampshire schools have shown that A-level students are not the only ones to reach the gold standard.

At Henry Beaufort, Winchester, 73% of the year achieved the benchmark figure of five or more A*-C grades, 14% above the national average of 59%. With 26% at A* or A and 99% gaining five or more A* - G results, the school shows that it helps pupils of all abilities to fulfil their potential.

With 11A* and 1 A grade, Emily Barrow received notification that she was one of two joint top candidates in GCSE Humanities, a subject with 114,349 entries. She will be presented with a silver medal and a diploma by the AQA examination board.

Scott Carn, has special educational needs. The county predicted he would get three GCSEs at most. His determination, together with the support of Beaufort staff, has proved them wrong, as he celebrated six high passes.

"I am pleased to see we have maintained our upward trend," said head, Jonathan de Sausmarez, "particularly for our able students, who have gained the highest number of A* in the history of the school.

The largest year group to go through Kings', Winchester, also achieved record results: 82% of the 366 pupils gained five or more A*- C grades and 98% achieved five or more A* -G, while 32% of grades were A* or A. There was an outstanding performance by Laura Scappatici (6A* 8A) the first pupil to take 14 GCSEs. Eight others achieved 12 A* or A.

Head, Ray Bradbury, said: "Congratulations to all pupils, thanks to all my staff and thanks for the support from our parents.)

At Westgate, 75% achieved the benchmark of five A*-C grades and 96% gained five A*-G. 31% of grades were at A*-A. Nicola Perrett scored 10A* and 1A.

Thornden, Chandler's Ford, had 89% of the year with five or more A* - C passes: 31% of all grades were at A* or A and 98% achieved five or more A* -G.

At Perin's Alresford, 74% gained five or more A*-C: 96% achieved five or more A*-G. 24% of grades were at A* and A with Katie Wooding shone with nine A*. Seven others received all top grades. "We are thrilled and proud of students' achievements. as always," said head teacher, Janice Bernard.

The 138-strong year group at Test Valley, Stockbridge, hit a new top score, with 70% five or more A*-C, with and 99% five or more A*-G: 22% of grades were A or A*. Hayley Brinsford, Emma Brown and Joseph Martin achieved all A* and A grades. Wildern, Hedge End, recorded 85% A8-C grades, yet another record: 20% of grades were at A*-C and 97% of the year achieved five or more A*-G.

Hilary Jackson, head of Testbourne, Whitchurch, summed up the day. "We are again very pleased with the results: 69% of our pupils achieved five or more A*-C grades, with 22% of grades were at A* or A, but it is just as pleasing that virtually every pupil gained at least five or A* -G passes."