HIGH-ACHIEVING GCSE and A-level Royal School students have celebrated their results with parents, teachers and friends.

There was a party-like atmposphere in Kilmorey Hall and students and guest speaker polar explorer Alex Hibbert presented some of the certificates.

An impressive 82.9 per cent of all A-levels were passed at grades A* to C and 45 per cent of GCSEs were graded 9 to 7 – equivalent to former A* and A grade levels.

It was the third year in succession the school had improved its examination results.

Mr Hibbert thrilled his audience with tales of his expeditions, complete with footage of the dogs that pulled his sleigh.

His 113-day voyage to the frozen North still holds the record for the longest unsupported Arctic journey in history.

One of the school’s longest serving governors, The Rev Manley-Cooper, also presented some certificates and prizes.

Royal School principal Anne Lynch said: “This was such a terrific evening and such a happy occasion. We are so proud of these young people and their achievements.”