HARD-WORKING pupils at a Johnstone school have a spring in their step as they start the new term after achieving top marks in their exams.

A total of 10 Johnstone High pupils achieved five As at Higher level this year, which is up from four a year ago.

And, in another welcome boost for the school, nine students in fourth year managed to gain seven A passes in their National 5s.

All of the fifth year pupils who managed the impressive achievement have decided to stay on for sixth year and will progress to Advanced Highers as they make preparations for life at university.

Johnstone High’s headteacher Lynn Hollywood is delighted with the results and is looking forward to continuing the success now that the new term is getting under way.

She told The Gazette: “This is my third August at Johnstone High School and I am very proud of what the pupils have achieved.

“In particular, the performance of pupils gaining five Highers has been outstanding.

“Last year, there were four but, this time, 10 have managed to achieve this.

“It is all credit to the pupils’ hard work, as well as the support they receive from their parents and the staff team at Johnstone High.”

Lynn puts the youngsters’ success down to a focused year, where staff prioritised attainment, supported study and provided mentoring.

She added: “I am also delighted at the number of pupils who managed to achieve National 4s and 5s.

“There was an increase of National 4 and 5s and I will ensure that we will be continuing this as a priority for the next year.

“It proves that there isn’t support at just one end of the spectrum.”

As an added bonus, Johnstone High has received £110,000 of pupil equity funding from the Scottish Government, which will help the school to close the poverty-related attainment gap.

Lynn said: “We have ambitious plans to use the funding this year.”