A SCHOOL is celebrating after its pupils gained more than 1,000 A* and A grades for the first time.

Pupils at Southend High School for Boys have thrilled their teachers by achieving 1,054 of the top two grades, including one pupil, Ross Luckman, who completed his exams while playing basketball for England.

A total of 62 per cent of all the grades awarded at the school were As or A*, with 27 per cent of pupils gaining the top grade and 47 pupils achieving ten or more A and A*s.

Headteacher Dr Robin Bevan said: “It has been a remarkable year for GCSE results. After seeing results improve every year since 2008, it is an outstanding achievement.

“The results demonstrate the sustained efforts of the boys, and the excellent support they’ve had from their teachers. I am very proud!”

Basketball player Ross, 16, is one of the school’s many success stories, gaining nine A*s, three As and an A* Distinction while juggling his studies alongside hours of training for the England basketball squad.

Ross, of Chapel Lane, Hadleigh, said: “It’s been really hard work because I’ve been balancing the two, but the school’s been really supportive.

“I haven’t had much of a social life but it has all paid off at last.

“I was nervous but mainly feel relief all the hard work wasn’t for nothing.”

Ross will now study maths, business, geography and PE at the school’s sixth form.

Andy Badger, chairman of governors added: “We congratulate the pupils of SHSB on these superb results. Achievements at this level, after so many years of improvement, are the outcome of impressive team-work and leadership within the school and much hard work from the students.”