CANON Slade pupils had plenty to celebrate after a record-breaking year — despite exams being described as more challenging.

Almost two fifth of all grades awarded were at the top end — 9,8,7 and A* and A-grades.

Arshia Akharan-Mofrad, aged 16. scored an outstanding eight A* s, two 9s and one 8.

Now he is looking forward to achieving his dreams to go into medicine. Josh Watts achieved 15 GCSEs all at the top grades of eight and above — and A*s and an A.

He said: “I am really relieved, we did not know what the grade boundaries would be and these grades have given me the confidence to apply for Cambridge or Oxford.”

Headteacher Alan Mottershead said: “There were many fine results across the subjects.”