Months of hard work paid off for many students today as they received their GCSE results in Epping Forest.

Students at Epping St John's School in Bury Lane, Epping, saw an improvement in the percentage of students attaining top grades with 35 per cent of entrants achieving at least one A or A* and 22 per cent achieving three.

Among those students are twins Paige and Ellie Cole, Daniel Riddle, Rachel Crossland and Bethany Kelly, who have been listed as some of the school's 2015 top achievers.

Paige Cole, who received two A's and an A*, is set to continue on at the school in September to complete her A-Levels.

The teenager, who is set to study Chemistry, Biology, Politics and History, said: "I am very pleased with my results and I am looking forward to starting sixth form.

"Studying for my GCSE's was really stressful but now I look back I don't think it was too bad."

Ellie Cole, who will begin classes in Chemistry, Biology, Geography and Sociology next term, hopes to study to become a doctor after sixth form.

She achieved four A's and an A* in her GCSE exams and will also continue on at the school in September.

She said: "I hope to go to university after sixth form and then train to become a doctor.

"I didn't find GCSE's too hard, it has been alright.

"I am looking forward to the next two years here."

Daniel Riddle, who achieved four A*, four A's and two B's, is still deciding between sixth form and college to pursue his career goal of getting into history and language.

He said: "I am still deciding but I am very pleased with my results.

"It was stressful with all of the revising but I am so glad it has all paid off."

Rachel Crossland gained six A* and three A's in her GCSE results.

She said: "I am going to Davenant Foundation School in September to study Mathematics, Economics, Philosophy and History.

"I am really happy with my results.

"I hope to train to become a lawyer one day."

Bethany Kelly achieved seven A's and two A* in this year’s GCSE results and is set to continue on into A-Levels at Sir Charles College in Harlow.

She said: "I am going to study to become a vet.

"GCSE's were stressful and took away my social life for a while but it was worth it.

"I am really looking forward to the next step."

Speaking of this year's results, Deputy Head Teacher Linda Buchan, said: "I am honoured to be presenting GCSE results to our students today.

“The Epping St John’s community is determined to build on these results and committed to ensuring that its students reach their full potential.”