Somersfield Academy’s first class of International Baccalaureate diploma graduates passed the programme with flying colours, the school said yesterday.

The class of 12 pupils had a 100 per cent pass rate – much higher than this year’s global pass rate of 89 per cent – with 80 per cent of students placing the world average score or higher.

A spokeswoman for the Devonshire school said that the highest individual score was 43 out of 45 points and that all graduates will attend their first-choice university or college.

Carlos Symonds, the outgoing principal for Somersfield Academy, said: “It has been an exceptionally challenging two years for both the students and staff, but the students and team of teachers commendably rose to and overcame the hurdles, distractions and adversities.

“We congratulate our inaugural Class of 2021 on their stellar results and wish them continued success along their individual journeys.

“They have been forged in fire and are prepared to follow their stars.”

Somersfield Academy’s Class of 2021 made history in June when they became the first group in their school to graduate with an IB diploma.

The school used to educate children up to age 16 but announced in 2019 that they would offer the IB diploma programme and take children up to age 18.

The graduation of the Class of 2021 also coincided with the school’s 30th anniversary.