AN independent school in Taunton is celebrating after receiving its best ever results for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). 

Taunton School saw a record number in the latest batch of results. 

The maximum point score is 45, with Taunton School students averaging 36 points per student - six points ahead of the national average.

28 students passed the course, and nearly all of them met the offer conditions for their first-choice university. 

One student, Sara Guest, who was deputy head girl, achieved the maximum 45 points. 

A further six other students scored 40 points or higher. 

Australian boarding student Sara, who joined the school in sixth form, celebrated her results after returning home. 

The 18-year-old said: "The last two years at Taunton School have been incredible.

"I owe a lot to the school so it is very emotional to be leaving.

"I received my results over the phone which was quite nerve-wracking but in the end I'm very happy with what I got." 

She will be going on to study liberal arts with a scholarship in Bowdoin College in the USA. 

Kiran Armanasco, who lives in Taunton, had a double celebration after getting her results on her 18th birthday. 

Kiran scored 40 points and will be going to Regent's Park College, Oxford to read Theology.

She said “I’m so happy with my IB results as it means I’ve secured my place at Oxford. It’s made my 18th birthday even more special and I’m looking forward to a big celebration later.”

Cornish student Callum Hudson, 18, achieved 43 points and secured his place to read biology at Wadham College, Oxford. 

He said: "I’m very happy with my results today after two years of hard work.

"I’m going back to Cornwall later to celebrate with my family.

"I’m really glad that I decided to come to Taunton School."

IB Coordinator, Martin Bluemel said: “I am absolutely delighted with this, our ninth set of Diploma results.

"IB is going from strength to strength at Taunton School and our students, whether they hail from near or far, have once again impressed me with their willingness to aim high and extend themselves beyond the confines of a ‘normal’ sixth form curriculum.”

Taunton School headmaster, Lee Glaser said: “These results are a great achievement. I am extremely proud of the efforts of the students and their teachers throughout this challenging course. 

 "Taunton School is leading the way both locally and globally with its vision for excellence and we look forward to news of further successes later this summer.”