STUDENTS across Basildon are celebrating bagging the district's best GCSE exam results ever.

There were smiles all round as many schools smashed previous records.

Chalvedon, Bromfords, Mayflower, Beauchamps and St John's schools were among those to achieve their highest scores ever.

Chris Jones, vice principal at Chalvedon, Pitsea, put students' success down to education tailored to suit the individual.

He said: "It's about finding the right course and ensuring people are willing participants in the process of learning."

At Chalvedon, 60 per cent of students achieved five A*-C, 12 per cent more then last year, while the overall pass rate from A*-G was between 94 and 96 per cent.

Mr Jones said the results were a fantastic step forward for the school.

At Bromfords School, Wickford, 80 per cent of students achieved five A*-Cs, with 92 per cent achieving five A*-G grades.

Chris Curry, sixth-form co-ordinator, said: "This year's results are a terrific achievement for the school.

"The staff has pulled out all the stops and worked with our students to fulfil their full potential. I must give a big thank you to the teaching and non-teaching staff."

At Barstable School, Basildon, results were still being compiled, but associate principal Janet Jones said early indications suggested pupils had exceeded expectations.

Mrs Jones said: "We're shaping up for outstanding results with a significant number of pupils getting high grades.

"We have a significant number with ten A*-C or more."

At Mayflower, in Billericay, 73 per cent of students achieved five or more A*-C grades, with 46 per cent of all exam entries receiving A*-B grades.

Denise Halpin, deputy headteacher, said: "This year we are proud to celebrate our best GCSE results ever, which include an increase in the very top grades for the third year running.

"Congratulations in particular goes to the students who gained A* and A grades in ten or more subjects."

At Beauchamps, in Wickford, 86 per cent of students achieved five A*-C grades, beating last year's level of 8 per cent, while overall almost 95 per cent of students passed with A*-G grades.

Bob Hodges, deputy head, said: "These excellent results come on the back of a good Ofsted report for the school. They are a reflection on the hard work and commitment of the staff to the students."

Finally at Woodlands, in Basildon, 54 per cent of students achieved five A*-C grades, which is the school's second best-ever results.

Andy White, headteacher, said: "It's great to see the kids doing well. These grades ensure they will have a positive future."

At St John's, a private school in Billericay, staff were delighted with a 100 per cent overall pass rate. Some 84 per cent earned five or more A*-C grades.