Pupils across Saffron Walden and surrounding areas celebrated their achievements on GCSE results day last week.
Joyce Frankland Academy
Duncan Roberts, principal of Joyce Frankland Academy in Newport, expressed "immense pride" in pupils' achievements.
He said: "These results are a testament to the perseverance and commitment of our pupils.
"They have navigated a unique and challenging period with incredible resilience, optimism and humour, and it is wonderful to see their hard work reflected in these achievements.
"We are all so proud of them. I would also like to extend my gratitude to our dedicated staff, whose enduring support and guidance has been instrumental in our pupils' success.
"I wish the class of 2024 all the very best with their future ventures; there is no ceiling to what you can achieve."
Among the high-achieving pupils were Dominic Rodwell, who received four grade 9s, five 8s and a grade 6, and Kate Weston, who received four 9s, two 8s and four 7s.
Sahana Rajagopal achieved four 9s, five 8s and two 7s, while Phoenix Parry received five 9s, three 8s and two 7s.
Saffron Walden County High School
Students at Saffron Walden County High School celebrated their success, with the vast majority moving on to their chosen post-16 providers.
Headteacher Polly Lankester said: "We are incredibly proud of our students, and it was lovely to celebrate with them in school today.
"The class of 2024 have been a fantastic year group, and these results reflect their hard work and determination. We wish all of them well with their next steps."
Oli said: "When I opened my results I was so surprised with my grades that I thought they were someone else’s! I can’t wait for SWCHS Sixth Form!"
Fiona said: "I’m so proud of my results and eager to continue my studies at A-level".
Megan said: "I could not believe my eyes when I opened my results. I’m so pleased that all the hard work paid off."
The highest-achieving student was Alex Follows, who received 12 grade 9s.
Deputy headteacher, Matt Blayney, said “For our students, today represents the culmination of two-years of hard work studying GCSE courses and a further three years of secondary schooling before that.
"Our Year 11s of 2023/24 have been a great year group and deserve to celebrate their hard work.
"I would also like to thank all of their teachers and their year team, Bron Fox, Fiona Muir, and Kirsty Yarrow who have worked so hard to support so many."
Linton Village College
There were several "exceptional" GCSE performances at Linton Village College.
Head student Will Moss was among a group of LVC students who picked up his results after returning from a World Challenge exhibition to Morocco over the summer.
Will secured eight grade 9s, two 8s and an A grade for his Level 3 Standing Maths Qualification.
He will go on to Hills Road Sixth Form College to study chemistry, maths, further maths and physics.
Other top performing students included Tom Wilson, Heidi Watson, Hugo Sales, David Forsell and Conor Kraman, who all achieved an average between grade 8 and 9 across their subjects.
Students who were singled out for "fantastic progress" included Bethany Taylor and Grace Dugdale.
LVC principal, Helena Marsh, commented: "Many LVC students demonstrated great resilience and commitment to their learning in their GCSE studies; they should be very proud of their achievements.
"I wish the Class of 2024 all the very best in the next steps of their education and futures."
Forest Hall School
The number of students achieving high grades in their GCSEs has risen at Forest Hall School in Stansted.
Among the top performing students this year were Carrie Amott, Kai Booth, Edward Duffy, Megan Ellis, Jack Hunnisett, Samuel Letchford, Teddy Page-Blackley, Emily Penman, Rose Powell and Tamsin Salmon.
Jack Hunnisett, 16, was diagnosed with scoliosis during lockdown and had major surgery delayed due to the pandemic.
His surgery was eventually scheduled for April this year, just a few weeks before his GCSE exams.
He said: "The school gave me revision material to use while I recovered and made sure my wellbeing was their primary concern.
"They played a massive part in ensuring I got good grades.
“We did consider pushing the operation to after my exams, but there was the risk it would get even worse and I would not be able to revise or sit for the two or three-hour exams with a painful back.
"I am very pleased with my results. They are a lot better than I expected as I thought my back would have had an impact."
Jack achieved three 8s, two 7s, three 6s and one grade 5, and is going on to Sixth Form to study science and maths.
Headteacher Dustin Schuyler said: “Our students have been resilient and diligent all year long.
"The progress they have made and the grades they have achieved are a result of that determination and effort.
"Not only have students performed well academically, but they have developed into outstanding young adults. They have high ambitions and plans for their futures. They now have the grades to start fulfilling those dreams.
"Well done and congratulations, all of us at Forest Hall School are incredibly proud of all of you."
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