Twelve high school graduates have been recognised as Advanced Placement Scholars by the US College Board.

The youngsters, from Saltus Grammar School, were among 65 pupils from the junior and senior years to sit the demanding Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

More than 70 percent of the students achieved grades that would allow them credit in their first year of university.

“This year Saltus Grammar School celebrated 40 years of offering AP courses and exams,” said Jon Beard, Saltus’s director of advancement. “The class of 2014 was another success story for the school.” AP courses are first-year university level classes taught at high schools worldwide, and more pupils globally take AP exams than any other type of test.

Successful results can earn pupils placements, credit or both at many US colleges, and can be used to gain entry to UK and European universities.

The exams are graded between one and five, the latter being the highest.

“Students who are particularly successful are awarded the designation of AP Scholar,” Mr Beard said.

Saltus’s top student was Nathaniel Hartwig, 18, who achieved eight passes at grade three or above. He secured grade four in biology, chemistry, English literature, macroeconomics, microeconomics and physics, and grade three in calculus and English language.

Three pupils achieved six passes at grade three or above — Ciara Burrows, Alex Fox, and Philip Ahl, all 18.

Nathaniel and Philip will now take up places at Northeastern University in Massachusetts, while Ciara is heading for the University of Waterloo and Alex will attend Wilfrid Laurier University, both in Ontario.

Three Saltus students achieved five passes — Ellie Wollmann, Courtney Barbosa and Eryn Beach, while Dylan Moulder and Samantha Hillen earned four passes.

Three passes were gained by Matthew Queary, Katherine Arnfield and Sekou Hendrickson. All of the youngsters will go on to study at higher education institutions overseas.

“Saltus is extremely proud of these students and of all of our graduates,” Mr Beard said. “We are equally proud of our excellent teaching staff that has supported them throughout their time at Saltus, and our thanks go to the staff for their dedication.”