Meet one of the country's stop students who swept the board with top grades in her GCSEs

Holly Plater, 16, achieved all level nines, the highest possible standard, in her GCSE results. The school has since been informed that Holly was one of only 732 students nationally to attain a clean sweep of results.

Headteacher, Colin Rainford, believes this places Holly as the top performing local student for overall attainment.

'˜I speak regularly to other headteachers in the area and we are not aware of any other students who achieved a clean sweep,' said Mr Rainford.

Holly, who achieved a grade A* in her first GCSE in Year 9, said: '˜I really can't believe that I am in the top 732 students across the country. I had set my targets at 7s and 8s but I did not expect a clean sweep of level 9s.' 

Since receiving her GCSE results the school have also been informed that Holly had the distinction of achieving 100 per cent in her English literature exam.

'˜I was shocked when my teacher told me I got 100 per cent as in the second exam I was feeling unwell and I was not confident about how I had performed. After getting informed I had attained full marks I didn't want to break it to my English teacher that I was not doing the subject at college,' said Holly.

Also at the celebratory lunch was Jessica Knight, 16, who attained two level 9s, seven 8s and two A*s from the previous year. 

'˜It was a massive surprise as I had been preparing myself for level 6s,' said Jessica. 

Joining the girls in recognition of their achievements was Hampshire County Councillor Stephen Reid, executive member for education and skills.

'˜I am delighted to have been invited along to celebrate this achievement. Credit for the results goes to Holly, Jessica and the school,' explained Councillor Reid 

Mr Rainford also thanked the parents for their role in what he described as a three-way partnership.

Holly's mother, Annabelle Plater, added: '˜The school and Mr Rainford provided Holly with brilliant support. Holly has always been a studious girl who has worked very hard.'

Holly was keen to thank her teachers for the help and guidance she received.

'˜My teachers were absolutely brilliant and I couldn't have achieved this without them,' said Holly. 

Holly is studying A-level maths, history and Spanish at Havant and South Downs College and has aspirations to study at an Oxbridge university.