A STUDENT who got the top grade in Astronomy during his spare time has secured a further 10 GCSEs.

Archie Fuller (pictured), from Otley, who studied at The Grammar School Leeds (GSAL), received eight grade 9s and two grade 8s on Results Day last Thursday.

This is on top of the Astronomy grade 9 GCSE, which he sat last year in his own time.

Archie's achievements were all the more poignant for him and his family as he is dyslexic.

There were four students from the Bradford district and Wharfedale area that celebrated a clean sweep of 9s in their 10 GCSE subjects.

This included, Zoe Mutamiri (picture paged 31), from Apperley Bridge, Henry Brooks, from Bramhope, Oluwaseyitan Olusoga, from Menston and Oliver Smith, from Stainburn.

Isobel Jackson, from Ilkley, wasn't far off either, notching nine grade 9s and one grade 8.

More than half (57 per cent) of GSAL students achieved the top GCSE grades of 7 or above in every subject (the equivalent of A*/A.

There were 49 pupils who scooped 10 grade 8s or 9s in all their GCSEs, including 13 who managed a clean sweep of the highest grade.

Principal Sue Woodroofe said: “I could not be more proud of everything that our GCSE students have achieved; this year’s results are richly deserved.

"And of course, we pay tribute to the teamwork evident from their dedicated and supportive teachers and parents who have encouraged them every step of the way over these past 16 months.

“Despite everything, this year has seen our young people dig deep and show real resilience as they have faced up to the challenges of the pandemic.

"To see their strength, confidence and commitment grow has been a privilege and it will prove to be a bedrock long into their futures.”