A Hornchurch secondary school is celebrating among its "highest" ever GCSE results.
Students at Sanders Draper School have achieved record numbers of top grades, it said, despite challenges posed by the Covid pandemic.
Headteacher Stuart Brooks praised the "remarkable resilience" of this year's cohort, who missed their SATs in primary school due to Covid-19.
Mr Brooks said: "This year’s results are some of the highest in the school’s history.
"It’s a real testament to the students’ dedication and the personalised support they have received."
Among the top performers was Nimra Hussain, who achieved seven Grade 9s and Grade 8s across her remaining subjects, as well as a Level 2 Distinction.
She will be studying biology, chemistry and maths at The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in Upminster, with hopes of pursuing a career in dentistry.
Nimra said: "My teachers’ enthusiasm for science really rubbed off on me.
"It influenced how I approached my learning and motivated me to succeed."
Another student to shine was Baruch Obichukwu, who attained five GCSEs at Grade 8 or above.
He will study economics, politics, maths and further maths at Brampton Manor, with ambitions of entering the finance world after university.
Baruch said: "The key was consistency.
"Ten minutes of work a day is better than an hour every few weeks.
"My teachers kept me focused and helped me push through."
Read more
Mr Brooks said the results reflect the school's five-year journey of improvement.
"Our students have shown resilience, ambition, and determination.
"We are incredibly proud of their achievements."
Share