THE wait was over for GCSE students from the Horncastle area last week, as exam results were revealed.

Top of the pile were students from Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School who were one of only three in the county to see 100 percent achieving the national benchmark standard of five or more A* to C grades, alongside schools in Alford and Caistor. This year saw the introduction of the new A* grade at GCSE with students across the area achieving the new higher level.

Countywide, provisional figures released by show that the overall results for the national benchmark indicator has increased again by 3 percent this year against a national increase of 2 percent. A total of 59 percent of Lincolnshire students will have achieved five A* to C grades including English and maths. Executive Councillor for Children's Services, Patricia Bradwell said: "For the sixth year running our schools improved more than the national rate of improvement and this is of great credit to all the staff in Lincolnshire schools."

Director of Children's Services, Peter Duxbury added: "These excellent results confirm Lincolnshire's position as a top performing authority where the vast majority of children are achieving their full potential. Congratulations to students, parents, carers and staff in all our schools for their dedication and commitment."