Students across eleven Merton schools were praised for achieving the highest ever exam results.

The top achieving students at GCSE and post-16 were recognised at an event to celebrate another year of improving exam results, Merton Council said.

A record breaking 66 per cent of students achieved five or more GCSE grades at A*to C grades including English and maths, an increase of 18 per cent over the last five years, the council said.

Schools including Ursuline High School, Raynes Park High School, Wimbledon College, St Mark’s CofE Academy and Perseid High School were present at the event.

Parents, students, staff and carers gathered to celebrate the young people of Merton and recognise all their hard work.

Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Martin Whelton said: “Our congratulations go out to all our young people on their results, but also to their teachers and families who have supported them.

Coun Whelton reiterated the importance of helping students reach their full potential in school and the purpose of the council in continuing to do so.

He said: “Merton is committed to improving education standards and performance within our schools.”

Mayor of Merton Councillor Agatha Akyigyina was in attendance at the Top Achievers event and offered parents and students her congratulations.

She said: “It was wonderful to be with the students and see the pride on their faces. These young people are our future.”

The Top Achievers event was held at the Chaucer Centre in Morden on Tuesday, September 9.