A WATERSIDE school has beaten the odds with a crop of outstanding GCSE exam results.

Staff at Dibden Purlieu's Noadswood School were delighted to have seen their pupils take on the exams with a gusto that produced such a host of smiles yesterday.

The talented year group of 204 pupils achieved 2,105 passes between them - over half of which were at the higher grades.

The average point score, which counts every pass for every pupil, was 51 which improves on last year's result which was the joint highest in Hampshire.

It was an amazing feat for a group of youngsters who have had to battle from humble academic beginnings.

Headteacher John Samuels was particularly pleased with the results and the students' achievement.

He said: "When this year group joined us only 45 per cent of them scored average or above in set ability tests."

To achieve results like this from that low staring point is excellent he said. "We are always trying to stretch the youngsters and - whatever their abilities - we always make sure they reach their potential.

"They have been a hardworking group this year and staff have worked really hard with them knowing their intake scores were lower than normal.

"Obviously, we have been doing this for a long time and have probably had better results in the past, depending on which indicators you choose, but I really am pleased with them. As a teacher it is very satisfying to see them come on so well."

Without doubt the star pupil this year, is Noadswood's very own super-student David Meachin.

David, 16, from West Road, Dibden Purlieu, completely swept the board by picking up an out-standing eight A and four A grades to put with A and B grades he achieved when taking maths and art a year early.

David is expected to continue as a high-flyer when he starts at Brockenhurst College next month to study maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.

He said: "It was really hard work and I'm pleased with what I've got at the end of it.

"I didn't just work all the time and had time to do other things but when it came to revision I put in the hours and it's definitely paid off."

Along with the other scholars picking up results at the school, David acknowledged the help and support given by staff and friends.

"I must thank Mr Samuels, my tutor Mrs Owen and Mr Moore, the head of the year.

"They've all worked really hard for us," he said. Sadly, David was unable to celebrate his success with girlfriend and fellow pupil Claire Bridle as she is currently on holiday.

He said: "She has been a great support and we were hoping to go to college together.

"I don't know if I've been as great a help to her yet as we haven't seen her results."

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