DELIGHTED students were celebrating today after picking up their GCSE results.

The Ramsey Academy, Hedingham School and Gosfield School have praised their pupils for their hard work throughout the academic year, which was curtailed by the coronavirus lockdown.

But the schools agreed not to publish their overall GCSE results because they would have “no validity” compared to previous years.

They also said the uncertainty over the grading system had “not helped” many students who were already anxious and worried about their futures.

Ramsey’s executive headteacher Rob James said: “This has been a very uncertain time for students, many of whom were disappointed at losing out on the opportunity to prove themselves in the exam hall, and who have endured several months of waiting to find out what grades they would have been awarded.

“However, at last, students at Ramsey Academy are celebrating the end of Year 11 with successes that will allow them to progress to their chosen college or apprenticeship courses.

“We wish them all best wishes and good luck for their future.”

The Government had scrapped its grading system just days before GCSE results were announced after being heavily criticised for the impact it had on A-level results the week before.

Nearly 40 per cent of students saw their grades lowered from what their teachers had suggested as predicted grades.

For GCSE results, it was agreed pupils would be awarded their centre assessed grades, which will be formally confirmed by exam boards next week.

Top performers at Ramsey Academy included Tazmin Sloat, Amelia Bell, Owen Smith and Willow Hunter.

Head of school Calum Leys added: “We are proud of the way the students have responded to these challenging circumstances.

“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of so many students, many of whom have exceeded their target grades.”

Andrew Harvison, headteacher at Hedingham School, praised both his staff and students for their continued commitment throughout the coronavirus lockdown.

He said: “It has been an absolute pleasure to see students collecting results and engaging in conversation about the pathways they are hoping to pursue.

“This is obviously a day to celebrate for those students who have achieved their personal goals.

"Once again, Hedingham students have excelled at every level and we are very proud of their efforts over the last five years.”

He said many pupils would be returning to the school in September to begin sixth form.

Mr Harvison added: “As always, our main priority is to ensure that all our examination students are supported during this difficult period of uncertainty.

“The staff and governors at Hedingham have demonstrated outstanding commitment towards the students.

“A special mention to all parents who have continued to support the students and the school through these challenging times.”

Many pupils at Hedingham appeared delighted with their results.

Rhys Marriott said: “I am ecstatic with my results and am looking forward now to completing my A-levels and then moving on to study biochemistry in the future.”

Grace Calver added: “After a summer of worrying what was going to happen, I am really happy.

“I received better grades than I was expecting and am really proud of myself.”

Gosfield School also congratulated its pupils on their GCSE results.

The school saw some good results with 96 per cent of all grades in the grade 9 to 4 range with a number of individual success stories as well.

Pupils Harry and Gabriella managed to secure grades 9 to 7 in all of their GCSEs - the equivalent of A* and A grades.

All the pupils have been praised by their principal for succeeding in “difficult and unique” circumstances.

Principal Guy Martyn said: “With so much turmoil and uncertainty surrounding how GCSE grades were going to be awarded it was finally time to focus on the young people who matter most, and what these crucial grades mean to them.

“We are so proud that despite not having the chance to show what they could do in the exams, our students have been rewarded for all their hard work and desire to improve and achieve beyond expectation.”