The Berkeley Institute has reported a 90 per cent pass rate for the IGCSE/GCSE exams.

More than 400 students sitting more than 800 exams in the last school year earned the results, which ranged from A* to G.

Berkeley — one of Bermuda’s two public senior secondary schools — announced the grades during an annual prize-giving ceremony.

The principal, Dr Phyllis Curtis-Tweed, told the assembled students their accomplishments exemplified the tenets of the school’s mission.

The S2 class earned more A* to C scores than in previous years, while Zahra Gibbons received a notable mention for earning an A* and A in English and physical education.

Five students scored A* to C in four or more subjects: Kyrsten Burrows, Dejanée Hill-Edwards, Kimika Jackson, Imani Smith and Aston Tannock.

The school also has 28 students in the S3 and S4 years who are taking courses as dual enrolment students at Bermuda College. Six Berkeley pupils are enrolled as full-time students.

“Two of our top S3 students, Kyrsten Burrows and Youth Premier Dejanee Hill-Edwards, have the distinction of being the first S3 Berkelyites to enrol in a college degree programme while in senior secondary school,” the school said.

“If they continue this course of study they will earn both an Associates degree and their senior secondary school diploma simultaneously.”

The audience, which was so busy there was standing room only, was also addressed by the chairman of Berkeley’s board of governors, Craig Bridgewater.

He said the school was working towards its strategic plan for 2014 to 2018, which includes the promotion of the “Berkeley identity” — leadership, self-pride and positive character development, effective teaching and learning, the provision of educational opportunities and “partnerships that speak to the needs of all students”.

The principal’s honour roll student, Jordan Bascome, compared her accomplishments as a student with her success on the track field.

She talked about the importance of preparation, perseverance, being involved and encouraging one another, while remaining true to the development of one’s own character, potential and skills. She encouraged her peers to find and pursue their passion.

The keynote speaker was lawyer Christa Schweizer, alumna of Berkeley’s class of 2005, who was recently called to the Bermuda Bar.

She spoke about the traits key to her own success — focus, preparation, goals, mentoring, and networking.

More than 100 awards were given for academic achievements and community service, along with special prizes for citizenship and character. Newly appointed prefects also received their pins and House captains were announced.