�Students across Havering were finally able to get their hands on their GCSE results after months of waiting – and there were plenty of celebrations.

Overall in Havering the pass rate for students who achieved five or more A* to C grades was 81.5 per cent, up from last year’s 78.8 per cent, while those achieving five or more A* to C grades including English and maths was 61.1 per cent, a drop from last year’s 63.6 per cent.

There were jubilant scenes at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster after it topped last year’s results.

The school saw 95 per cent of students scoring five A* to C grades, topping last year’s figures of 92.2 per cent.

Headteacher David Mansfield said: “The students have done really well – these are excellent results.

“The results are a credit to the hard work of the students and the teachers.”

Amy Butler had particular reason to celebrate after scoring nine A* and one A, despite taking a lot of time off school because of ill health.

She said: “I have missed a lot of time off of school and I have never been in school full time.

“I really wanted to do well, but it was hard because of my health so I am really proud that my hard work has paid off.”

The 16-year-old is set to continue at the sixth form college to study further maths, economics, history and English literature A-levels.

Fellow pupil Ben Eastman is hoping to fulfil his dream of studying at Oxford University after achieving nine A*s and two As. He is set to continue at the sixth form college to study A-levels in politics, economics, history, maths and English Literature.

He said: “I am not sure of what I want to do as a career, but I have always wanted to study at Oxford.”

There were more big smiles at Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, which saw 90 per cent of its students achieving five A* to C grades.

Delighted

Headteacher Bernie Williams said: “I am delighted with the results – the students and the staff worked very hard.”

One of the school’s top performers was Louise Lee, who achieved five As, one A* and three Bs.

The 16-year-old, who has cerebal palsy, had to have the help of a scribe during her exams.

She said: “I spent a lot of time before the exams revising and my mum had to act as my scribe, so that I got a feel of what it would be like in the exam.”

She is set to study A-levels in English literature, history, maths, religious education and psychology at the school’s sixth form college.

Students and teachers at Drapers’ Academy in Settle Road, Harold Hill had reason to be cheerful after 62 per cent of students achieved five good GCSE grades including English and maths. The result places the academy as one of the fastest improving schools in the country.

The results are also above the national average, something never achieved by any secondary school in Harold Hill.

The academy’s principal Matthhew Slater said: “These results represent outstanding achievements by our pupils.

“The staff who have worked with them have done a brilliant job and the results will inspire all in the academy to continue the success in years to come.”