There were squeals, tears and excited phone calls to proud parents this morning as youngsters across the borough opened their GCSEs results.

Clever Frances Bardsley pupil Emily Kelleher was celebrating an incredible 11 A* grades – the top marks in the school.

The 16-year-old from Romford couldn’t believe her eyes when she opened the jaw-dropping results, telling the Recorder: “I’m amazed.”

She added: “I was so worried. But I did do a lot of revision so I’m happy it paid off. I did expect some As, so this is great.”

Emma said she hoped to one day study physics at university.

There were also big smiles at Marshalls Park School after it topped last year’s results.

The school in Pettits Lane, Romford, saw 57 per-cent of pupils score A* to C grades for maths and english. The score tops last year’s 54 per-cent and 2009’s 50 per-cent.

Head teacher Pam Mason said: “It’s the third year on the trot that results have gone up and we’re so pleased. All the students have worked so hard, we’re so proud of them.”

Marshalls Park pupil George Crow had extra reason to celebrate after scoring 8 A*, 3 A and 1 B grades.

George, who is also studying A-level maths, said: “I was sort of expecting it. The exams went quite well.”

The 16-year-old from Collier Row is now off to Coopers Company and Coborn School where he plans on studying his favourite subjects - science and maths.

Bower Park School in Havering Road, Romford, was also celebrating after seeing its results leap dramatically over the last six years.

The school had 82 per-cent of students achieve five A* to C grades. This included 48 per-cent scoring A* to C grades in maths and English. The figure is more than double the 17 per-cent who achieved A* to C grades in maths and English in 2005.

Proud head teacher Mary Morrison said: “We’re utterly delighted. It’s an absolutely phenomenal achievement to where we were in 2005. We’re now going for academy status, joining with Campion, and we’re really excited about the future.”

The school’s top performer was 16-year-old Hannah Bloxham, from Romford, who scooped 5 A* and 4 A grades.

She said: “I’m really pleased. I just couldn’t believe it, it’s amazing. I’m so happy. The teachers did support me a lot. My parents cheered when I told them on the phone.”

For the full round-up of results see this Friday’s Recorder.