AFTER months of anticipation students and staff at Saffron Walden County High School shared plenty of smiles today as GCSE results were handed out.

On the key measure of GCSE achievement, 75 per cent of students gained at least five A*- C grades including English and Maths. The broader measure of performance showed 85pc of students received at least five higher grade passes (grade C or better).

That is down from last year when the pass rate was 80pc and 90pc respectively for the two measures.

There were a number of outstanding achievements by individuals, with 19 students achieving at least 11 GCSEs at A* or A.

Alexandra Croft gained 11 A*s with Flora Birkbeck and Frances Steele achieving 11 As, ten being starred.

Will Clark and Ian Rossuck both achieved 9 A*/A grades. Ninety eight per cent of pupils got at least five A*-G grades.

Jen Sims, deputy headteacher at the County High, said: “It is wonderful that the hard work and determination of our students and their teachers has been rewarded with some excellent results.

“Their achievements will ensure that virtually all our students will be able to go on to their chosen post 16 path with many staying on into County High’s Sixth Form.

“Many aspects of these results stand out, but I was especially pleased to see the very strong performance of able students in achieving their targeted A and A* grades.”

More reaction to follow...