The new headmaster of an East Hampshire school had a first day to remember as his arrival coincided with a “superlative” GCSE results day.

And new Churcher’s College head, Will Scott, wasn’t alone in having a baptism of fire as another new headmaster had a similar welcome at nearby Ditcham Park School.

Will and his colleagues at Churcher’s College are “excited” for their outgoing students with plenty getting top marks. Grades 7 to 9 accounted for four in every five at the school, while more than half were either 8 or 9.

Grades were up across the board with the percent of those getting 9 to 7 rising from 73 per cent last year to 79.6 this time round. The percentage receiving 9-4 remains tantalising close to perfect on 99.8.

“How have they done it?” said Mr Scott, before adding: “Inspired by their teachers, in a peer group with ambition, they have put in the hard work to achieve their best.”

The story was much the same at Ditcham with new headteacher, Peter Thackrey, congratulating students on a day when 96 per cent achieved a Grade 4+ pass rate.

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Raise your hands if you made the grade: Ditcham Park School students celebrate (Pic Chris Gorman) (Chris Gorman)

An impressive 81 per cent achieved Grade 5+ in English and Maths combined, with further strong performances in Design & Technology and Drama.

High achievers included sisters Rose and Isle Sanders, who both joined the school in Year 7. The former notched up nine Grades 7-9 and will study Biology, Maths and Art at Peter Symonds College. Isla achieved the highest overall grade-point average in the year group, with an average grade of 8, and will progress to study Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at Peter Symonds.

Mr Thackrey said the school is incredibly proud of everything this year group has achieved.

He added: “Their results reflect not only academic dedication but also resilience, character and a willingness to embrace the many opportunities available at Ditcham Park.

“This perfectly demonstrates the balance between academic success and holistic personal development that Ditcham community is so good at. We wish every one of our leavers the very best as they begin the next exciting chapter of their educational journey.”

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New Ditcham Park School headmaster, Peter Thackrey with Headboy, Chris. (Chris Gorman)

Two Bedales students were in eleventh heaven after racking up nearly a dozen top-grade GCSEs.

Sixty per cent of all GCSE grades awarded at the Steep school were 9 to 7 – or A* or A in ‘old school’ terms.

Two students who attended Bedales Prep before progressing to the senior school really showed their class,

getting 11 grades at 9-8.

A further two – including one student who joined Bedales at Pre-prep level – also picked up ten grades at 9-8, while another achieved a clean sweep of nine grade 9s.

Students at Bedales take GCSEs in core subjects alongside a range of the school’s own BACs (Bedales Assisted Course) results.