A DARLINGTON school is hoping to finish top of the class when GCSE A-level results are announced this week.

Polam Hall School for Girls has built up a reputation for academic achievement, with pupils gaining exceptional results.

Last year Polam Hall topped the national average of 89.1 per cent of entrants achieving A-level examination passes at grades A to E, with a pass rate of 95 per cent.

The school is hoping to top the national average again in what will be the final year of A-level results.

From next year, students will take AS and A2 levels.

The waiting will be over for the Polam Hall sixth formers on Thursday, when the results will be available for collection