Pupils topped 2007’s best-ever figures in the total number of grade As and the percentage of entries which netted an A or B grade, and matched last year’s average points score per pupil – despite having a smaller year group.

All the figures are above the national average.

Deputy head Steve Fearnley said: “These are some excellent results at A-level this year. We keep saying ‘best ever’ year after year, but make no apologies for repeating ourselves – it is a pleasure to be able to report the continuing progress and sustained high level performance at the school.”

Figures show:

l a total of 42 grade As – an improvement of four grades from 12 months ago – representing 30 per cent of all entries;

l fifty eight per cent of all entries resulted in an A or B grade – up five per cent on last year

l an average points score per student of 364 points; and

l a pass rate of 98 per cent across the board.

A total of 22 students achieved at least one A grade in one course, with James Dalgleish top of the tree with five grade As. Other successes include Richard Calvert and Sarah Smith, who both earned four As and a B, Rebecca Simpson, Emma Mars- den and Rebecca Davidson, who achieved four grade As, with three As in each of their main subjects for Joshua Clarke and Lewis McIntyre.

The school also reserved special praise for the efforts made by Ashley Clark, who scored three grade As and a B, and Matthew Pape’s one grade A and three Bs. Both showed the most improvement in their time at Malton School’s sixth form – each moving up 19 places in the year group.

“We are delighted with our continuing record of high achievement in A-level examinations,” said Mr Fearnley. “As always I think it worthy of note that many of those at the top of the performance table are also those who have involved themselves in extra curricular activity, fundraising, and organisation.

“We give a very full package to our students, and many of them grab it with both hands.”

He added: “I hope I never underestimate the amount of staff time and effort behind these results. I remain convinced it is the major reason for our continuing success. Thank you students, and thank you staff. Well done.”