THE Maelor School, Penley, was delighted with an outstanding performance as A-level results were announced.

Almost half of grades (48 per cent) that were awarded were revealed as A*s or As. In seven subject areas, every grade awarded was between A* and B.

Abbie McBain from Wrexham secured 5A*s and will be studying earth sciences at Oxford University.

Abbie - who studied biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and the Welsh Baccalaureate – follows in her sister Mary’s footsteps who was accepted into Oxford last year to study biochemistry.

Abbie’s mother, Alison Cass, said her daughter worked so hard to achieve her grades and studied for hours to achieve her goal.

The 18-year-old’s results were collected by her mother because Abbie is currently in Camp America for the summer working as a camp counsellor in New York and was over the moon to be told she had achieved her place at Oxford.

Other stand-out performances include Ellie Langley from Whitchurch who achieved four A*s and an A and will be studying biology at Lancaster University.

Grace Amedor from Wrexham achieved four A*s and will be studying medicine at Cambridge University.

Charlotte Davies from Ellesmere achieved one A*, three As will be studying biology at St Andrews University.

Joe Moran from Wrexham achieved two As, one B and one C and will be studying economics at Cardiff University.

Director of Sixth form, Penny Ellwood, said: “All of our students and staff have performed fantastically. I am so proud of all the hard work and effort that has led to these amazing outcomes. They are going on to a variety of exciting and interesting destinations and I wish them all well.”

Headteacher Simon Ellis said: “I have heard from the exam board that a number of our results are the best in North Wales, I am not surprised given the dedication and sheer hard work that our students and staff have put into their studies. Each year we do well but this year group have smashed all previous records.”