A* STUDENTS at Bradford Grammar School (BGS) were celebrating securing top grades and places at their first choice universities.

They included Thomas Austin, 18, of Ilkley, who plays first team rugby for the school. He was celebrating after securing four A*s in maths, physics, chemistry and biology. He will be studying medicine at St Andrew’s University.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time at BGS, especially all the extracurricular activities, which have been fun. I’ve made a lot of friends here too,” he said.

Tom among 122 A Level students who are celebrating success this year at BGS with 43 per cent achieving A*/A grades, including 24 students who scored A*/A exclusively. Overall, 89 per cent of students at BGS secured A*-C grades.

Headmaster of BGS, Dr Simon Hinchliffe, said the results indicated a profound love of learning at the school and he was delighted for all the young people who had worked hard for the success they deserved.

He added: “However, we must be careful not to confuse exams with education, the former being only one small part of the latter. The wider learning and personal growth that takes place at BGS cannot be encapsulated in exam grades alone. We maintain a sense of proportion and recognise academic success as part of a much bigger and richer picture of progress and fulfilment.

“As today approached, we simply hoped that our students might achieve the grades that their level of commitment merited. Given the results above, collectively they have done just that. Not everyone will secure the highest grades, but all students can aspire to do their best, roll up their sleeves, work hard and make the most of all the opportunities, inside and outside of the classroom. Bright futures beckon after BGS and I wish them all every happiness and success in their lives as Old Bradfordians.”

BGS, which counts Olympic medallists, prominent artists and politicians among its prestigious alumni, has recently undergone a £4m investment in its sports provision and has seen major upgrades of its cricket, netball, tennis and hockey facilities as well as a new sports complex.

Former pupils of the independent school on Keighley Road, Bradford, include Olympic heroes Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, artist David Hockney, Denis Healey and actress Georgie Henley.