Excited students found out whether all their hard work had paid off when they collected their A-level results yesterday.

Romford Recorder: Brentwood School headmaster Ian Davies with Jonathan StratfeildBrentwood School headmaster Ian Davies with Jonathan Stratfeild (Image: Archant)

Among them were students at Brentwood School, which had a 100 per cent pass rate and 52 per cent of students reaching A* to A grades – the school’s best ever result.

Romford Recorder: Students from Brentwood School with their A-level results.Students from Brentwood School with their A-level results. (Image: Archant)

Headmaster Ian Davies said: “These wonderful examination results are an accurate reflection of the hard work, enthusiasm and determination of our students this year. At a time when, nationally, there has been grade deflation, our students have maintained the record results of last year.”

Romford Recorder: Ian Davies, Andrew Ejemai and Zipporah EjemaiIan Davies, Andrew Ejemai and Zipporah Ejemai (Image: Archant)

Twelve-year-old Andrew Ejemai, who gained an A* in maths, said he had a natural aptitude for the subject but he “still had to do a bit of work!”

He had been hoping for the A* but had not been sure he would get it. He added: “I enjoy maths. It’s fun to do maths problems.”

Jonathan Streatfeild’s well-earned A* in French, As in geography and maths and a B in further maths have earned him a place at Oxford to study law.

‘Top notch’

He praised the Brentwood School experience as a whole and commended the teaching as “top notch”.

Brentwood County High School had a 90pc pass rate with 65pc gaining A* to C grades.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted that so many of our students have been able to secure the university or employment places of their choice.”

He added that 90pc had achieved three A-levels plus the Pre-U qualification and were in strong positions for university.

He said: “We are pleased that, despite the increased challenges that the Department for Education and the exam boards have put in place for the achievement of A-level studies in the last two years, our students have maintained their successes and high standards.”

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “I would like to congratulate Essex students, receiving their results today, for their hard work in completing their A-levels.

“I am sure that many students are excited to start their next phase of life … and I wish them all the very best of luck.”