Certificate of Secondary Education examinations.

The private school's new principal Mr. Trevor Rowell revealed this week that 88 percent of the senior students received pass grades in five or more subjects.

This, he noted, compared with the 52 percent pass rate in England.

Calling the students' performance "an outstanding achievement'', Mr. Rowell said: "Both students and teachers deserve hearty congratulation on a first-class academic performance.

"Compared with an average of only 52 percent in schools in England, this indicates education of very good quality.

A total of 24 Year Five students took 232 exams in 18 different subjects.

The pass rate in seven subjects was 100 percent. One in five of all grades were `A's.

Student Stephen Fahy achieved the most outstanding performance. He received 10 straight A grades, five of them were noted for special distinction.

Saltus' Post-Graduate Year students also achieved distinction, with 100 percent gaining achievement grades in the Advanced Placement examination in 15 subjects.

"This has proved again to be an excellent preparation for higher education,'' he said.

Of the 34 students in the programme, all wishing to continue their education overseas received positive responses, he said. And most will be attending universities and colleges of their first choice.

Seventy-five percent of students will be attending universities in Canada, with McGill University the most popular destination.

Students also were accepted at the University of Western Ontario, Queen's University, the University of Guelph, Trent University, Acadia University, St.

Mary's University, and St. Francis Xavier University.

The remaining students will be furthering their studies at US universities.

And one student has chosen to attend the University of Warwick in the UK.

Mr. Rowell said Saltus looked forward to maintaining and improving upon the record results.

"The school has attracted a record number of students for this coming year,'' he said, "and we are all keen to make a major contribution to the future of Bermuda's young people.''