Saltus Grammar School students scored an 89 percent pass rate in the latest GCSE results — up from 84 percent last year.The figures — which represent Year 11 students who achieved five or more passes at Grades A* to C — pleased headteacher Ted Staunton.“Our focus on raising standards and striving for academic excellence is continuing to impact very positively on our results,” said Mr Staunton in a statement.“It’s always gratifying to see students reach their potential and I’d like to thank the teachers for the hard work they have put in to help students who are to be congratulated on their achievements.”Noteworthy achievements include Courtney Barbosa, Ciara Burrows, Nathaniel Hartwig, Daniel Heintzman and Joss Lines, who each gained at least two A* grades, and a string of A and B grades.In addition, Year Nine and Year Ten students achieved 64 GCSE Grades A* to C in English language, Spanish and music, representing a 94 percent pass rate.Meanwhile the school described the results of its Saltus Graduate Years Programme as outstanding.In Advanced Placement exams — a programme covering work at the level of first-year university courses — 12 students were recognised as AP Scholars, with a further four attaining AP National Scholar status, the highest designation.National Scholar status students are S Nicholas Barton with nine AP passes, Michael Johnston and Daniel Pell with seven, and Hannah Gibbons with six.AP Scholar with Honours students were Rachel Doughty, Kyle McGhee and Kelsey Pichery. AP Scholars were Scott Clarke, Andrew Frith, Danielle Lightbourne and Nicholas Patterson.In SGY1, a record number of students were awarded AP Scholar status after completing only one year of the programme. Xiaoyu Sun earned AP Scholar with Honours status, while AP Scholar status was achieved by Jevon Swan, Mark Godfrey and Leandra Straquadanio.