She got 10 A*s and two As in her GCSEs despite having to have her appendix removed in between exam days.

"I'm really really happy. I had appendicitis during my English and chemistry exams and I had to have my appendix out," she said.

Head teacher at the school Julia Wynd said: "I have been teaching for more than 30 years and I have only seen these high results once before."

She said she expects Clare's results to be among the top in the country.

Her mum Julie was also over the moon, she said: "I'm amazed. I'm so pleased she has achieved what she is capable of."

Determined student Helen Sherratt overcame the difficulties of cerebral palsy to achieve eight GCSEs. She said: "I'm happy. I'm glad I was able to do them. I never thought I would get this far."

Now she plans to go on to sixth form at the school or possibly college.

Head of the year group Sue Stiles said: "She is very focused and really gives it her all."

A total of 73 per cent of students got five or more A to C grades - a record result for the school.

Among the top achievers were Emily Prichard and Mark Roberts who each got nine A*s and three As and Joanna Rogers who gained four A*s and eight As.

Mrs Stiles has recently left the school but came in especially to see students collect their results. "They have been a real pleasure to teach and they have worked incredibly hard. I'm really going to miss them," she said.