Among the pupils celebrating was Gabriel Marmolejo-Wall, who achieved 8 level 9s and three level 8s.

He said: "I am very pleased with my results. I am so glad that all the hard work, not only in revision, but for the past three years, has paid off.

"I look forward to continuing my studies at the NBS Sixth Form."

Callum Clarke, who was also one of the top achievers in the year group, said: "I am really pleased with the results I achieved today.

"I think this really shows the hard work I have put in over the last three years. I'd like to thank the school and all of my teachers who helped me achieve my potential."

Kutlwano Leoto was delighted with her results, and said: "I am really happy with the results I got this morning! They show that hard work pays off.

"I would like to thank all the teachers who have pushed me to achieve my best and the school for supporting me over the last five years.

"I am looking forward to joining the Sixth Form at NBS to study chemistry, maths and geography A-levels."

A delighted Ciara Riddell commented: "I am beyond happy with my results and I am so grateful to all my teachers who have worked so hard to help me achieve my best!

"I couldn't have done as well without them so thank you!"

Another high achiever, Katie Dale, said: "I am absolutely delighted with my results! I would like to thank my teachers for pushing me to achieve the best results I could.

"I look forward to starting the Sixth Form at NBS in September to begin my A-level studies." 

Headteacher Declan Linnane said: "I would like to congratulate all our students on another successful year highlighting that using centre assessed grades, combined with professional judgement and integrity of the teachers, students received the correct results. 

"We are incredibly proud of our students’ achievements as they have worked extremely hard and these results are a tribute to their commitment over the last five years.  

"They are indeed a resilient year group and both students and staff have reacted well to the ever-changing climate we find ourselves in.”

“I would like to thank our members of staff and parents who have guided our students to ensure this success. This collaborative effort between school and home has been a major factor in Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School achieving these results once again.”

Samuel Ryder Academy have praised their students for their "excellent" results.

Notable achievements in the year group include: 

Sumayyah Nasar, who performed exceptionally well, achieving a total of 9 grade 9s.

Arshi Islam achieved 7 grade 9s and 2 grade 8s across the full range of subjects. Well done both of you. 

Many other students displayed a real commitment throughout their time at Samuel Ryder Academy – Tiegan Hobey and Megan Tonkin both achieved 9 GCSE grades 9-7. 

Aza Hoque, head of Year 11, said: ‘’Our students have worked incredibly hard through the years, especially during the recent challenging times to achieve these incredible results. 

"They should be proud that their dedication, resilience and perseverance have been rewarded, and will serve them well in the future as they move onto their next steps in their academic and vocational careers.

 "We are thrilled with the way they have handled the recent events with such maturity and are delighted that they have attained such high standards."

The sun came out to reinforce the celebrations from Year 11 students as they collected their GCSE results at Sandringham School.

Due to a last minute change from the exam board, BTEC results were not available - however these will be sent to students as soon as they're ready.

Headteacher Alan Gray said: "This is another lovely year group who, despite the upset at not being able to sit their examinations, have kept their heads high and held their trust in the system. 

"They were rightly rewarded today with grades that reflected their talents and diligence throughout years 10 and 11. 

"The majority of students received the top grades and should be very proud of their achievements. We look forward to seeing most of them in the sixth form in September. 

"We also wish those who are moving on every success in the future and hope that they keep in touch with the school."

He went on to thank staff for their work in preparing these grades and the government for trusting teachers to know their students best.

Loreto College students have collected their GCSE results this morning.

A spokesman for the school said: "Students at Loreto College are delighted with the GCSE grades they have been awarded, and for the recognition these show of all their hard work and excellent progress over the last five years. 

"Although pupils have only been visiting school a few at a time to discuss their results, rather than en masse as they normally would, they have all been really positive about their futures. 

"Amongst these were Elizabeth Burridge, Daisy Cooper and  Lucy Baker who all achieved at least nine A* grades and are now looking forward to returning to Loreto in September to start their A-level courses."

Students have been to collect their results at Roundwood Park school this morning. 

Headteacher Alan Henshall has said: "It has been a wonderful day of celebration and happiness at Roundwood Park School.  

"Students have got the results they really deserve and there were many happy faces.  

"They have thoroughly deserved these outstanding results which are the outcomes they would have achieved if they had sat the exams.  

"Congratulations to them.  I would like to thank the parents for supporting us and the students so well and to congratulate our hardworking staff".

Two of those celebrating their results are  Katie and Gemma Stapleton, having achieved grade 9s in all their subjects.

Year 11 pupils at St Columba's College are celebrating GCSE success during "unprecedented" times.

Overall, the results at St Columba’s reflect the continued improved performance of the school over the last three years, with 61.5% of all grades at 9-7 and 99.9% of all grades at 9-4.

Four students achieved all grade 9s and 8s, with one student achieving eleven grade 9s.

Headmaster David Buxton said: “Congratulations to all our students receiving their GCSE grades today. 

"The results continue an upward trend for the college but most importantly they reflect the hard work and application of this cohort of students who have also had to display such high levels of resilience during the course of this extraordinary year. 

"Having experienced a taste of our Seventh Term A-level Programme last term, we hope to welcome them back onto our A-level programmes next month.”

It has been an anxious time for GCSE students due to the cancellation of public exams and uncertainty over the awarding of grades.

Throughout lockdown all students at St Columba’s have been supported by a pastoral care and academic programme.

Headteacher Paul Ramsey said: "Congratulations to all our students who received their GCSE results today. 

"Their hard work over two years has led to excellent results that will enable them to pursue their next steps in education, training or their careers."

Speaking about the government's U-turn last week, Mr Ramsey added: “I am delighted that the government has recognised the need to use teacher assessments as the basis for GCSE grades. 

"This Year 11 had already proved their credentials through excellent GCSE English Literature results last year and their impressive trial examination results. They should be very proud of their achievements.

"They are confident and articulate young men who will have learnt much from their experience this year and should look forward to the future with confidence.”

John Tromans, head of Year 11, said: “I am delighted by the tenacity the boys have shown in this turbulent year and I am looking forward to welcoming them back to the Sixth Form.”

Having been denied many of the rites of passage which typically mark the end of Year 11, the celebrations were all the more heartfelt when students were welcomed back to Beaumont School in St Albans to collect their GCSE results today. 

Head of Year Nat Moody said: "I am delighted that, after so much uncertainty, the hard work and commitment of our students has been recognised through such an outstanding set of results.

"They are a credit to the students, as well as the teachers and pastoral staff who have supported them over the last five years."

Headteacher Martin Atkinson added: "I am confident that the capabilities of our students have been fully recognised through a rigorous and fair assessment process this year and I am pleased that so many of them have chosen to continue their studies in our Sixth Form."