Success was in the air yesterday as students collected their GCSE results from schools across south Essex.

Provisional results indicate that 72 per cent of students in Southend achieved grade 4 - equivalent to the former C grade - or above in English and maths combined which is a 3 per cent increase on last year’s results.

Cecil Jones Academy in Southend, part of Legra Academy Trust, is celebrating a 10 per cent increase in performance over the past two years.

Bev Williams, chief executive of Legra, paid tribute to dedicated staff and students and congratulated them on their outstanding success.

The number of our students who gained the pass grade in English and Maths was up significantly from 2016, by 6 per cent.

The number of students who received the top grades of 9 and 8, the equivalent of the old A* and As, increased by 39 per cent having studied the new, more demanding specifications in English and maths.

Mrs Williams said: “The results are a great improvement and clearly show how both staff and students believe they can achieve great results. Simply superb.”

The Eastwood Academy recorded another brilliant set of GCSE results, 91 percent of students achieved a Standard Pass in maths and 86 percent in English.

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The Eastwood Academy principal Neil Houchen said: “The results are a testament to the hard work and commitment of both staff and pupils. In this new and challenging climate, the results are exceptional and reaffirm the Academy’s revered position locally and nationally.”

Students studying at Southchurch High School also delivered a fantastic set of results with a 62 percent pass rate in English, 52 percent pass rate in maths.

Southchurch High School headteacher Stuart Reynolds said: “It has been a pleasure to see so many smiles on the students’ faces when they opened their results and I am proud of their achievements.”

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St Thomas More High School in Westcliff reported another outstanding set of results this year, maintaining their strong results with 70 percent of students achieving grades 9 to 5 in English and maths.

Headteacher Gemma Ackred said: “ Students have worked extremely hard and these excellent results are a tribute to their commitment and hard work.”

Belfairs Academy, in Highlands Boulevard, Leigh, was also delighted with its results.

Principal, Greg Rodulfo said: “The success of our students is key to all staff and this was another fantastic day at the academy.”