PUPILS at a top performing Waltham Forest school have been rewarded for their hard-work following record-breaking GCSE exam success.

Former England cricketer Graham Gooch, MP John Cryer and mayor Saima Mahmud handed out awards at a celebration evening for students at Norlington School for Boys.

Pupils from each year group were recognised for achievements across a range of subjects, as well as for qualities including leadership and gentlemanly behaviour, at a ceremony held at Walthamstow Assembly Hall on Wednesday (September 30).

The celebration followed confirmation Norlington has been rated in the top five boys' comprehensive schools nationally after scoring their best ever GCSE results.

Hassan Bashir, 16, from Leytonstone, picked up four gongs including the Headteachers Award.

He said: "Norlington is like a family. The teachers care about you, not just your academic achievement but also if you are happy at the school. There is a really good balance.

"This award ceremony is really important because it encourages you and gives you inspiration to go on to achieve more."

Another winner Kofi Abu Gyamfi, 16, Walthamstow, said: "I was shocked to win the award.

I'm not big headed but teachers have said to me that I work very hard with my studies and do my best to help other pupils.

"I'm very proud to be part of what goes on here."

Headteacher John Hernandez said: "We want our boys to leave us ready to face the world, to be as successful as they can be and ultimately to be world class. We want to be world class; that is what we are aiming for at Norlington.

"Although we have done exceptionally well, we are not there yet. Because if you are world class you are never there, you are always striving, pushing to do even better."

Legendary England batsman Gooch handed out the Nabil Alam Cricketer of the Year award, given in memory of a former pupil, to Muhammed Hussain.

He said: "It was truly an honour to be able to give such a prestigious award out this evening. I have had the pleasure of returning to Norlington on a couple of occasions in the last year.

"Each time I come I am deeply impressed by the commitment of pupils and teaching staff to achieving excellence.

"I am particularly impressed that qualities such as gentlemanly behaviour and leadership are celebrated here. Qualities that are going to stay with these young men for the rest of their lives."

The evening also included speeches from guests and teachers as well as music from the Norlington Percussion band

Mayor Saima Mahmud said: "The turnaround here been absolutely remarkable in a very short space of time. Speaking on behalf of Waltham Forest council, I am extremely proud of what has been achieved by pupil, teachers and headteacher John Hernandez."

Others pupils who scooped awards included Abdushshakoor Suleman, 16, who won the Chair of Governors and Leader Award and Irfan Suleman, 16, who won the Gentleman gong.

Norlington are holding their open evening on Thursday October 8 beginning at 6pm at the school on Norlington Road, Leyton.

For more details call the school office on 0208 539 3055