Record exam results provided cause for celebration as a Garston school hosted its annual speech night.

Parmiter's School, in High Elms Lane, saw 60.5 per cent of GCSE pupils score five A*/A grades or better, while 54 Year 11 students received ten A*/A grades or better – both new school records.

At A-Level, 154 Sixth Formers achieved an average score per subject entry of 101.1, up from 98.5 in 2009, and an average points score per student of 364.2, an improvement from 354 in the previous year.

It was appropriate then that the guest of honour for the school's speech night yesterday (Wednesday) was Kathleen Tattersall OBE, the former chairman of examinations watchdog Ofqual from April 2008 to July this year.

A teacher for seven years before joining the AQA examination board, Ms Tattersall reassured the audience that standards in examinations and assessment were not declining.

She said: “While I regret the narrowing effect that examinations can potentially have on education I believe, and evidence shows, that qualifications improve prospects and pave the way to a better life.

“During my time with Ofqual standards were maintained and assessment has improved since my time as a student, when it could be rough and ready. It is interesting to note that this year, when demand for university place outstrips supply, the usual claims that examinations are getting easier have not been so strong.”

Speaking after the event, Ms Tattersall added: “It has been a delight to share in the joys and achievements of the young people who have done so well and graced this school. I say to the students go out and change the world as it needs responsible people to safeguard it.”

Six pupils heading to Oxford and Cambridge were among 145 students from Parmiter's to win places at university this year, with most landing their first choices.

They were: James Cooper, Natural Sciences, Clare College, Cambridge; Hayley Cowan, Mathematics, Wadham College, Oxford; Chris Fountain, Economics, King’s College Cambridge; Carmen Lok, Natural Sciences (Physical), Newnham College, Cambridge; Charlotte Ray, Economics, Queen’s College, Cambridge; and Sam Swift, Geography, Keble College, Oxford.