SMITHILLS School celebrated success with brilliant GCSE results yesterday, continuing the upward trajectory of the once struggling school.

Students have made their school proud after a difficult few years for Smithills.

Over the last two years, the school has fought its way out of Special Measures to achieve a Good Ofsted grading. But Smithills is now celebrating a stellar set of results, including straight 9s for one hardworking student.

Will Griffiths achieved an incredible six grade 9s, two 8s and one 7.

He said: "I am really happy with my results, good luck to everyone else getting their results.

"I’m going to Cannon Slade Sixth Form to do Chemistry, Biology and Maths.

"I would also like to thank all my teachers at Smithills, I’ve had an amazing five years here and I couldn’t have got these results without them."

Fellow student Nicole Davies achieved a Distinction* in Performing Arts, she said: "I'm really happy and I'd like to wish everyone in Year 10 and 11 the best of luck."

Headteacher Mike Sidebottom said that the results are the latest victory for a school that turned itself around.

He said: "We're really pleased with our results and we've had some top grades for our pupils. It's a massively satisfying feeling and it's been down to the staff, pupils and parents.

"It's a different school now, everybody has really come together.

"We have had some real successes today, that's what we're about now."

A number of Year 10 students sat GCSEs a year early.

Mr Sidebottom said: "Of our early entry in English Literature, we have had four Year 10s who have got grade 9s a year early."

Looking to the future, the headteacher is anticipating continued success: "It's sustainable, steady progress.

"The foundations are set for our children to come out with great results and good life chances as well-rounded individuals.

"Our pupils are going to go on and get the places at college they richly deserve. Well done!”