A STUDENT from an independent school has been named in the top three per cent in the world for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Chiara Longo from Stonyhurst College, achieved 40 points out of 45 putting her in the top three per cent of candidates.

Students can chose to take subjects under the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme as an alternative to A levels.

The 17-year-old, from Italy, who is going on to study Law at Durham University, said: “The two years I spent attending the IB programme at Stonyhurst College were the most challenging yet rewarding of my life.”

John Browne, headmaster, said: “I am always inspired by and proud of our young people who work hard to become contributing members of society.

“Achieving excellent results like these when we are not a selective school, and 92 per cent of our students studied the course and took the exams in their second language – is extraordinary and I am delighted for them.

“I know they will all go onto university and adult life from Stonyhurst with confidence and become positive agents for change in the world.”