GCSE pass rates at West Hatch High School in Chigwell have remained the same as last year, with 69 per cent of students achieving A* to C grades, including English and Maths.

Results were expected to suffer this year after the government scrapped coursework in favour of end-of-year exams, which led to predictions that pass rates would fall nationally.

A total of 90 per cent of students secured five A* to C grades, excluding English and Maths.

Headteacher Frances Howarth said: "We are so proud of what our students have achieved, especially those who found their studies hard. 

"Congratulations to them all and their teachers."

Freddie Dell, 16, who achieved one of the highest GCSE's in the school with 6 A*'s and an A, said: "I am so pleased with my results, I worked hard to achieve them."

His sister, Abbie Dell, 16, who achieved 4 A*'s, 2 A's, 4 B's and a C, said: "I am so happy I feel really good about what I have achieved, it was hard work but it paid off.

"I'm really looking forward to starting sixth form to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics."