AN OUTSTANDING high school pupil was left beaming with joy after becoming one of the top performing students in the country achieving a string of top GCSE grades.

Charles Middleton from St Gabriel’s RC High School attained 10 grade 9s landing himself a place in the country’s top 250 youngsters.

His mother Sue said: “We are really really proud of him for all his hard work.”

She also praised staff at St Gabriel’s for the support her children have received.

Earlier this year, St Gabriel’s was placed in special measures by Ofsted but we have had a really positive experience of this school”, she said. “I could not have been happier with the staff and the support both my son and daughter have had. They both benefited from one-to-one support. Their door is always open.

“The pastoral care is fantastic and that is really important.”

On top of his studies, bass singer Charles has found time to perform as part of the Hallé Youth Choir.

Charles was one of many pupils, staff, parents and carers celebrating another brilliant year for the school.

Headteacher Adam Loster, who is soon to retire, said: “I am especially pleased that many of our students will have the opportunity to progress onto their chosen future pathway because of their performance this year, especially within RE, English and Maths. On a personal note, I was thrilled to see the continued strength of results within our creative subjects.”