A HIGH percentage of St Cyres School students exceeded their nationally set targets and are looking forward to bright futures at university - including one pupil who undertook much of his studies while suffering from cancer.

Alex Baston was one of several outstanding individual achievers at the school off Redlands Road, where 73.4% of the results were grades A* to C.

But only last year, the 18-year-old was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of soft tissue Ewing’s sarcoma cancer.

He was forced to drop out in March 2012, during a crucial period of his AS studies, and make up the time when he started back in September - while in the middle of chemotherapy.

“It was hard going, especially as I was in and out of the hospital constantly for blood tests and various operations,” said Alex, who achieved an A in history and a B in government and politics.

“The chemotherapy cycles would be four-days at a time too, and then I would feel sick and spaced out, so it made concentrating in class really difficult.

“But the teachers were great helping me catch up and the school as a whole was really accommodating.

“I’m happy with my results and my parents are delighted for me to have come through everything. It’s a good feeling.”

Alex is now looking forward to a holiday, celebrating his success with his parents, before he goes away with girlfriend, Eloise Johnson, head girl at St Cyres.

She was one of ninety-two sixth form students at St Cyres awarded the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Diploma which is equivalent to an A grade at A Level.

She also had three A’s in biology, chemistry and maths, same as head boy Marcus Hicks.

Marcus, who will go on to study mathematics and Cardiff University said he was “ecstatic”.

Eloise, who hopes to become a doctor, said: “It feels like two years of extremely hard work has really paid off. My parents are amazingly happy.”

Matthew Johnson picked up his results with his mum, Tracey, who is the school LRC manager in the library.

He achieved three A* grades, an A and the Welsh Baccalaureate.

“The teachers have given us so much support over the last couple of years,” said Matthew who will study law at Bristol. “They have been such a help.”

A number of Year 12 students also achieved major success in their AS examinations.

Head teacher Dr Jonathan Hicks called it a testament to the way in which students are challenged at St Cyres.

“There is now a more challenging environment for the country’s young people in terms of university places and employment prospects but our students are well placed to enter this competitive arena,” he said.

“This is due to their own hard work and the professionalism and dedication of our teaching staff who have supported them every step of the way.

“The experience our sixth form students have gained through studying for the Welsh Baccalaureate will have given them a head start in their university studies.

“I congratulate every one of them on their achievements and wish them well for the future.”