JUBILANT students have proved they are first class achievers by notching up a string of top grade GCSE results.

Across the country delighted pupils have been celebrating success with more youngsters than ever before achieving the top grades of A* or A.

Overall the percentage of UK pupils getting grades of A* to C rose from 62 per cent to 63 per cent.

The results also show state compehensive schools have made the most improvements, while marks at independent schools have slipped.

Year 11 pupils from schools across south Essex now have just a few days to relax before returning to their sixth form or college studies or venturing into the world of work.

At Westcliff High School for Boys and Westcliff High School for Girls, teachers and students celebrated an outstanding 100 per cent pass rate for pupils gaining at least five GCSEs with grades A* to C - the minimum standard the Goverment says students should reach.

Paul Hayman, headteacher at Westcliff High School for Girls, believes the results are down to a combination of hard work by the students and good teaching.

He said: "They do work hard, but they are better prepared for examinations and I think the two together mean we're bound to find the pass rate greatly increases."

At Sweyne Park School, Rayleigh, students celebrated as 71.5 per cent of pupils gained five or more GCSEs at A* to C grades and 41 per cent received at least one A* or A grade.

Headteacher Andy Hodgkinson said: "We're really pleased. It's a superb achievement and I'm pleased at how the students have worked."

Students at FitzWimarc School in Rayleigh achieved 74 per cent A* to C grades in this year's GCSE results.

Deputy head, Carrie Lynch said: "We are delighted with these excellent results and the achievements of all of the year group, many of whom gained grades of which they should be proud.

"The students have worked very hard and have reaped the benefits. This year group has been delightful."

Cecil Jones School also celebrated their results with 59 per cent of students receiving five or more GCSEs graded from A* to C.

Headteacher Doug Nichols said: "They are up on last year and we're really pleased. The students should be praised as they are working harder than ever and teaching standards are higher."