DARWEN Vale High School had another successful year on GCSE results day.

The Blackburn Road school revealed 71 per cent of students achieved a grade 9 to 4, the equivalent to A* to C on the old grading system.

More than half the pupils, 53 per cent, taking GCSE exams gained a 'strong pass' of grade 5 or above.

At 10am the doors opened and anxious pupils rushed into the results hall, eager to find out their results.

Maksymilian Diakiewicz, who scored a grade 9 in maths and science, as well as getting an 8 in English, said he was really proud of his results.

He said: "I am speechless to be honest.

"I did not think I would do this well, I can't believe I got an 8 in English, I am so happy.

"I will be going to Runshaw to study maths and further maths."

Samantha Riley, who got an 8 in French and Spanish and a 7 in English Literature, said: "I am so chuffed, I am really happy.

"I could not have given any more with my revision, I worked incredibly hard."

Samantha will go on to study French, Spanish and business at Runshaw College.

Dylan Purser got a 9 in music and a seven in science, as well as a 6 in English.

He said: "I was not expecting to do well in my English and I am so happy.

"I am over the moon with my music result.

The school's principal, Matthew Little, said: "Our students are celebrating some exceptional individual GCSE results today, with a number achieving top grades, including Grade 9, in a whole range of subjects including Maths and English.

“Ffion Fox and Maksymilian Diakawiecz are fantastic examples of these; Ffion achieving Grade 9 in English Literature, English Language, science and history and religious studies and grade 7s and 8s in all other subjects.

"While Maks achieved Grade 9 in both maths and science and secured grade 7s and 8s in all other subjects.

"Other top performers included Georgia Beswick and Morgan Hawcroft Hurst who both gained grades 7 to 9 across the board.

"A special mention should go to Matthew Johnson who secured a grade A at AS level maths.

"I would like to take the opportunity to formally acknowledge the hard work and efforts of all our students and staff in securing these outcomes."