STUDENTS from Harwich and Dovercourt High School (HDHS), and Manningtree High School are celebrating their GCSE results day.

Kate Finch, HDHS’ headteacher, said: “Harwich and Dovercourt High School is celebrating the incredible hard work and dedication of its students who have gained some life-changing results.

“All of our students are now able to take up their chosen places on courses or apprenticeships, many staying on at HDHS, because of their success in achieving the grades they needed.

“I know that parents and the local community will be celebrating the dedication of these young people paying off as they now take their next steps towards their chosen careers.

“With schools nationally hoping for 2 per cent of grades to be the highest grade 9, HDHS's English faculty saw 3 per cent of all entries at this level.

Notable success has been achieved by Caitlyn Almond who achieved the highest possible grade 9 in four of her subjects and grade 8s in all others.

Similarly, Charlotte Smith proudly signed up to her place at HDHS Sixth Form with two grade 9s and all other grade 8s, Alfie Benson, and Annabel Dace amassed two grade 9s each.

She added: “To achieve a good pass in a language is extremely hard, so the grade 9 in Italian awarded to Ion Andronachi is certainly something he should be incredibly proud of.

“These really are phenomenal achievements and a tribute to these students who worked so hard both in school for five years and at home.

“The teaching staff and indeed all support staff at HDHS are very proud of these young people who deserve their success and have been a wonderful year group to teach.

“The town of Harwich is in safe hands with these youngsters going forward.”

Sally Morris, Manningtree High School's headteacher, said: “This year’s cohort showed a wide range of talent with grade 9s being awarded in the vast majority of the broad range of subjects studied.

“In Maths, 10 students achieved a grade 9 and a further 13 achieved a grade 8, equivalent to the old A*.

“We congratulate all Manningtree students on their very hard work and celebrate the impressive results of Emma Scofield who achieved Grade 9 in seven subjects, Lexy Ross and Ben Mayne who all achieved four grade 9s and also Rebecca Tucker who got three grade 9s and also six grade 8s."

Ellis Dowsett received five grade 9s. 

She added: “We are also very proud of those students who achieved merits in their catering qualifications and successfully completed their Construction BTEC.

“As well as those in the cohort who balanced their GCSE studies with competing in sport at a national level, such as Harvey Bell, Lauren Baker and Lex Brincklow.

“As usual, year 8 students are collecting results too: 27 took a GCSE equivalent research project qualification. Of these, 14 achieved an A* and seven an A grade.”