YEAR 11 pupils across Basildon have continued to perform in their GCSE results despite some major changes that have been made to the curriculum.

Among the biggest changes were in English literature and language where not only the grading system was changed, but students were no longer allowed to use reading materials when taking the exams.

Despite this, a number of students from Mayflower High School, Bromfords School, Beauchamps High School and Woodlands School achieved grade 9s in their results.

Lee Brumby, headteacher at Mayflower High School, said: “The students have responded magnificently to the new GCSE courses in English and Maths.

“The majority of students have excelled in their subjects and have benefited from the programmes the school has put in place.”

The school received a 76 per cent pass rate across the board with four pupils receiving grade 9s and A* to A grades across all subjects.

Robert Hodges, headteacher at Beauchamps High School, said: “Our successful students have worked so hard over the years and we are especially pleased that yet again we have such a high number of our students continuing their studies at Beauchamps Sixth Form.”

The school’s governor, Lorna Flack-Elliott was amazed by the work of the school’s pupils and teachers to achieve the grades despite the changes that have happened in the past year.

She said: “I think the children have got their head around it and the teachers have worked very hard to help them get the grades.

“But at the end of the day, it is the students who get the grades.”

Woodlands School also saw a lot of positive results including five students receiving grade 9s.