Proud staff at Harwich and Dovercourt High School have paid tribute to the “hard work and dedication” shown by celebrating GCSE students.

Subjects including maths and engineering enjoyed record highs following the publication of the Year 11 exams as students prepare for the next stage of their education or employment.

Top of the bill was Lucas Wickens who became the school’s most successful student ever after achieving a staggering seven Grade 9s in English language and literature, French, all three sciences and history, as well as a distinction star in sport and Grade 8 in all other exams sat.

Another notable high achiever was Lacey Eagle who, having secured Grade 9s in English and geography as well as numerous grade 8s, will study A levels in Psychology, English Literature and History.

Dreams - (L to R) Edvin Memet and Stanley Drake. Edvin is going to Colchester Sixth Form and Stanley is going to Suffolk One to do a T level in engineering, Edvin studying biology maths and geography, instructed in being am archeologist and a marine biologist these grades have been amazing (6s, 7s, 8s). Stanley 6s and a 5Dreams - (L to R) Edvin Memet and Stanley Drake. Edvin is going to Colchester Sixth Form to study biology, maths and geography, being interested in being an archaeologist or a marine biologist. While Stanley is going to Suffolk One to do a T level in engineering (Image: Newsquest)

Happy - (L-R) Freia Beeson-Cocks, Ruby Fricker, Sophie Hicks, Yazmin Hornsby. Sophie going to Suffolk one most happy with English language and food prep 6, Yasmin going to Chelmsford college most proud of maths, 5, and sciences 4-4 (combined) Ruby going to Colchester institute, Freia going to Suffolk one I'm just proud of myself to be honest and I'm ready to go to collegeHappy - (L-R) Freia Beeson-Cocks, Ruby Fricker, Sophie Hicks, and Yazmin Hornsby. Sophie is going to Suffolk One and is most happy with English language and 'Food Prep' which she got 6s for. Yasmin is going to Chelmsford college and is most proud of maths, 5, and (combined) sciences 4-4 grades. Ruby is going to Colchester institute and Freia is heading to Suffolk One (Image: Newsquest)

Aspirations - (L to R) Lily Good, Katie Sheppard, and Amelia Stone. Lily is so happy for her 5 inaths over the moon and a 7 in French and history, going to Colchester sixth form. Katie got a 6 in maths and distinction in sport and business, Colchester institute. Amelia got 4 8s English lit lang media and geography, going to Suffolk one probably . Amelia wants to do psychology in uni specializing in forensics, the other 2 don't knowAspirations - (L to R) Lily Good, Katie Sheppard, and Amelia Stone. Lily is very happy for her 5 in maths and 7s in French and history and is going to Colchester Sixth Form. Katie got a 6 in maths and a distinction in sport and business, going to the Colchester institute. While Amelia got four 8s , in English Literature and language, media, and geography, "probably" going to Suffolk One before her goal of studying psychology with forensics at university (Image: Newsquest)

Headteacher Kate Finch said: “On behalf of the whole school, we are so happy for the students to be moving on to their chosen pathways. 

“I feel so proud of everything they have achieved and the fantastic young people they have become.

“This is definitely a year group who will be leading the town as we go into the next decade.”