STUDENTS at Helena Romanes School have broken all records by achieving the best ever GCSE results.

The school is celebrating 80 per cent of its students achieving five A* to C grades.

A total of 67 per cent of students scored five A* to C grades, including English and maths - the ‘golden’ result has leapt from just 54 per cent in 2009.

Headteacher Simon Knight was thrilled with the results. He said: “These are the best results in the history of the school. They are a reflection of the hard work of our students, staff and the support of parents.

“We were expecting good results, but what these students have achieved is something very special. We have a strong team of staff keen to ensure every student achieves high standards and is able to progress onto further education or training.

“We look forward to continuing this trend of year-on-year improvement. Well done everyone!”

Janet Dyson, chair of governors, said: “We congratulate our students on their results and wish them continuing success whatever path they choose to follow.”

For the first year, 22 Year 7 and 8 students also achieved GCSE grades in citizenship. The pilot scheme, which saw the school work in partnership with 2020 Learning, aimed to raise aspirations and get younger students thinking about university.

Top students this year include:

• Kirsty Firman, 16, of Braintree, with seven A* and two A who is hoping to go to sixth form college to study psychology, Spanish, maths and history.

“I had a sleepover with a friend last night so we could be nervous together! We will definitely be going out to celebrate today.”

• Richard McLintock, 16, of Felsted, with three A*, four A and one B. He hopes to go to sixth form college to study a range of subjects including business studies, geography and physics.

“I was expecting a B or C in English and I got an A* so that was a pleasant surprise!”

• Jamie Botten, 16, of Great Dunmow, with three A* and six A is hoping to go on to sixth form.

“I am absolutely over-the-moon! I expected to get a few B grades and had told my parents to expect Cs, so we could not be more pleased!”

• Alex Newell, 16, of Stebbing, with three A* and five A and has ambitions to reach university to train to become a doctor or to have a career in rugby. He also achieved an A grade at AS-level which he took early this year.

“I am still shaking! I’m so happy.”

Proud mum Valerie, who works at the school, added: “He has worked so hard so deserves all of this success. I am delighted.”

• Isabel Lees, 16, of Great Dunmow, with four A* and four A who hopes to go on to sixth form to study geography, maths and chemistry.

“I was so nervous after hearing on the radio this morning about exams being marked down. You never know when you take an exam whether you’ve done well or not and to then hear that I was very worried. I’m very relieved and pleased!”