TEENAGERS nervously queued at the school gates before opening their GCSE exam results this morning.

Pupils from Norhamhurst School in North Chingford are amongst those in the area celebrating top grades.

They achieved 100 per cent A* to C grades in art, French, graphic design, history and music, with 100 per cent A*s or As in art and 78 per cent A* to As in graphic design.

Other subjects, such as languages, business studies and religious studies, saw the percentage of students achieving A* or A grades significantly above the national trends.

Students Michael, David and Victoria achieved 21 A*s or As between them.

Headmistress Claire Osborn said: “The students and staff have worked very hard over the past two years to achieve these results and their hard work, commitment and perseverance has enabled them to record some excellent achievements.

“Every year we are impressed by our students’ ability to combine incredible academic performance with a rich array of extra-curricular interests encompassing sport, drama, music and art and I’m proud to be able to see them join their future sixth form colleges and schools well-equipped for life beyond Normanhurst”.

At Highams Park School, 74 per cent of 211 pupils achieved at least five A* to C grades, including English and Maths.

A further 66 per cent of students achieved the English Baccalaureate out of those who were entered for it.

The sky is the limit for Robyn King, 16, who achieved a magnificent 11 A*s and one A grade.

She said: “I was really pleased, I didn’t expect to see that many A*s.

“All my hard work really paid off so it was a relief that it was not just a waste of time.

“I worked really hard for these grades so I feel I deserve them."

Principal, Phillip Grundy said: “I’d like to congratulate all of our pupils and teachers on their superb outcomes in the GCSE examinations.

“Their hard work, determination and willingness to work together have all led to these very pleasing results.

“I look forward to seeing the pupils build upon these foundations as they move into the sixth form and commence another exciting stage of their education.”

Following an impressive 100 per cent A-Level pass rate at Chingford Foundation School, the GCSE students certainly had cause for celebration as well.

Some 65 per cent of students achieved at least five A* to C grades, including English and Maths, with 28 pupils achieving eight or more A and A* grades, a record for the school.

Assistant principal, Astrid Davis said: “We are absolutely delighted with our 2016 GCSE results and would like to congratulate all our students on their tremendous achievements.

“The hard work of both students and staff has led to some truly fantastic results.

“We look forward to welcoming many of our students into Year 12 in September.”

Got a GCSE related story? E-mail news editor Anna Slater on aslater@london.newsquest.co.uk