A GUISBOROUGH student has achieved the highest mark in the country for her science GCSE.

Former Laurence Jackson School pupil Amy Coleman was one of 720,000 students who sat the exam in Britain. Her performance earned her a silver medal from examination board AQA.

Amy, 16, is now at Prior Pursglove College studying for five A levels - in biology, chemistry, maths, Spanish and French.

She said: "I'm really pleased. I knew I'd got quite high marks after my modulars, but when I got the letter for the GCSEs, it also said I'd got the highest mark in the country and that was a big surprise.

Proud dad Brian, a science teacher at Thornaby Community School, said: "Whatever else she does in her life, I'm sure Amy will never achieve anything as unique as that."

Amy was presented with her award at her old school on Thursday night. Headteacher Chris Lord said: "We're delighted - it's an honour for the student, the school and her parents."