School pupils and pleased parents were celebrating outstanding GCSE results at St Edward’s Church of England School and Sixth Form College this morning.

The Romford school pupils celebrated the schools best year yet for GCSE English language results, with 84 per cent of pupils achieving an A* to C in the subject - up 13pc from last years results.

Excelling pupils included 16-year-old Jezelle Smith-Thomas, of Dagenham, who achieved nine A*s, an A and a B, and Ladi Shobowale, 16, of Dagenham, who achieved four A*s, five As and two Bs.

An emotional Jezell said: “I don’t know what to say - I feel great, I’m so happy.” She added: “I want to go on and study biomedical sciences now.”

Fellow pupil Ladi said: “I was surprised at first but I’m really excited for the future and I’m really happy with my grades.”

Other star pupils included 16-year-old Babalola Ajose, of Forest Gate, who got eight A*s, an A and three Bs, and Samuel Quang, 16, of Romford, taking home two A*s seven As and three Bs.

St Edward’s headteacher Rev Alan Perry said: “Overall we’re pleased with the progress that the students have made this year - this is the third year in a row that our English language results have gone up.”

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