EIGHT Inverclyde students have hit the high notes - by earning a string A grades in their music exams a year early.

The group from Port Glasgow High sat their highers in S4 instead of S5 - skipping the National 5 assessment - and were top of the charts after scoring top marks all round.

The merry band are Hamish Wards (piano), twin brothers Scott McAllister (bagpipes) and Andrew McAllister (trombone), Connor Bristow (flute), Kerr McLean (percussion), Sarah Harrison (violin), Jodie Pollock (ukulele) and Louise MacKay (flute).

Julie Ballantyne, principal teacher of music, said: "At Port Glasgow High School we believe that every pupil can enjoy and achieve success in music, regardless of their background in music at that point.

"Every young person can be encouraged to try new instruments and enjoy expressing themselves through music.

"These pupils have shown real flair for music and ability of a very high level and we will support every pupil to achieve as highly as they can.

"It is great to see their hard work paying off."

It was double delight for students Scott McAllister and Sarah Harrison, who also aced all five of their National 5 exams.

Piper Scott, 16, from Slaemuir, said: "I was looking forward to doing the higher, if not a little nervous.

"It's a big step going from third year straight into higher, but Miss Ballantyne helped us all the way through and was extremely supportive."

Sarah, 15, who lives in Mid Auchinleck, has been playing violin for five years and was thrilled with her perfect results - especially the A in higher music.

She said: "I was nervous at first because we skipped National 5 but I knew my playing was up to it.

"The listening part of it I felt was the toughest but I put in a lot of practice."

Across the music department, 87 per cent of students achieved As, contributing to a record year for the school with results up at every level.

The percentage of pupils achieving five National 5s in S4 is at its highest level as is the number of youngsters earning five highers in S5.

The amount of sixth year students securing at least one advanced higher is also at the highest level for a decade.

In two years, the school has doubled the percentage of pupils achieving at least five National 5s and has enjoyed the best pass rate and number of awards on record.

Head teacher Stuart Clark said: "I'm delighted with the hard work of all staff and pupils in achieving the best results ever this year."