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SIXTEEN Inverclyde school pupils are top class - after securing straight As in their higher exams.

Most of this year's 'A team' gathered at Clyde Square in Greenock where they were praised by council education director Ruth Binks and Councillor Jim Clocherty, convener of education and communities.

A sweet 16 aced their five higher exams, including St Stephen's student David Curley, who achieved six As in his fifth year results.

Cassie O'Neill and Jamie Morris from Inverclyde Academy also earned top marks as did Clydeview's Alison Goh-Stuart, Caitlin Church, Clara Pollock, Jasleen Sanghera, Joanne Lee and Susanna Demelas, Nadia Coyle of Notre Dame, Adam Heron, Zara Weir, Paul Campbell, Kayla Orr and Iona Tormey, from St Columba's High, and David Watt, who attends St Stephen's.

David Watt and Zara Weir were unfortunately unavailable for yesterday's photocall.

Councillor Clocherty said: "What an outstanding achievement for everyone.

"I would like to say well done to each and every one of them for their efforts and wish them the very best for their future studies.

"It is no mean feat to gain As in every subject and I know a lot of hard work and effort has gone in to these results.

"Education is key to ensuring the future economic and social prosperity of Inverclyde and this year's results reflect.

"We are educating a generation in new and refurbished state-of-the-art schools with motivated, professional and dedicated teaching and support to give our children and young people the best possible start in life."

Clydeview's Caitlin notched her top grades in English, French, Spanish, history and physics.

The 17-year-old from Greenock said: "I was so nervous about it so I was really relieved when I found out.

"Hopefully I can go on and do something with languages. I'll be doing advanced higher French and Spanish in sixth year."

St Columba's student Adam aced English, maths, history, chemistry and Spanish to add to the A he already had from sitting higher French 12 months ago.

While most pupils received their results via text or email before their certificates dropped through the letterbox, the 17-year-old kept things traditional.

Adam, from Larkfield, said: "I could've signed up for text but I waited for the post to come in.

"I'd prepared myself in case I didn't do too well to avoid disappointment so I think that made it even better when I did find out it was all As.

"I want to do languages at university and after that do something in tourism."