With the Government changing how GCSEs are graded a few years ago, it has meant that students will be receiving their results numerically as opposed to using letters.
The new system means that students are graded from 9 to 1, where a 7 is anchored at an old grade A, a 4 is a low C and a 1 equates to a grade G.
HELENA ROMANES
Some 65 per cent of students achieved a standard pass in English and maths this year, an improvement from 58 per cent who achieved the same mark last year.
English results also showed an improvement, with 79 per cent of students achieving a 9 to 4 grade (formerly A-C). In maths, the 9-4 figure rose to 69 per cent.
Simon Knight, head teacher, said: "These results are evidence of sustained improvement across the school, which together with last week's A Levels demonstrate that we continue to move in the right direction.
"The dedication and hard work of students has culminated in a very pleasing set of examination results. The school continues to improve and I am confident of further success in the future.
"I would like to thank the staff whose expertise and tireless support of the students has helped us achieve these outstanding results.
"Our continued high performance means that more and more of our students are achieving the highest level attainment and we look forward to these students returning to out sixth form next year to start their A Levels with us."
One of the school's top achievers was Olivia Smith, who collected her results with her mum, dad and sister, all who had studied at Helena Romanes. She achieved 1 Grade 9, 6 Grade 8s, 3 Grade 7s and 1 Grade 5, "I am really happy with my results. I achieved what I wanted and I put in a lot of work," she said. Olivia gained a 9 in design and technology, having designed a play mat for disabled children.
She is considering becoming a primary school teacher or a career in business.
Her parents Claire and Steve Smith, who despite only being two years apart whilst at Helena Romanes, never met whilst at school, rather on a night out, said: "We are really proud. She put in hours of work and we are really pleased it paid off."
Kira Haket achieved 6 Grade 9s; 3 Grade 8s and a distinction. She will celebrate by travelling to the West End with her family and watching The Phantom of the Opera for the first time. "I thought I did really badly in all the sciences, I was very surprised," she said. Kira, who collected her results with her older sister Nina, 20, who also studied at HRS, wants to pursue a career in child psychology.
Sarah Mouncher achieved 3 Grade 9s, 3 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 2 Grade 6s. Sarah, 16, who lives in Woodlands Park, aspires to be a teacher, possibly in philosophy as she enjoys helping other pupils and her friends with their work.
Alexander Lockey achieved 2 Grade 9s, 5 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7 and 1 Grade 6. "I did loads better than expected, I was hoping to get a 7 in maths," he said. Alexander, who instead achieved a 9 in maths, has lived in Dunmow his whole life. He now has his sights set on a career in cyber security.
Head boy Oscar Schul collected his results before his family move to Dunblane in just over a week, where he will continue his education. Oscar achieved one grade 9, one grade 9, one grade 7, four grade 6s, two grade 5s and a 4. He hopes to join the marines.
Other higher achieving pupils are Roseanna Davey who achieved 3 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s, 2 Grade 7s and 2 Grade 6s. Ellie Mourton achieved 2 Grade 9s, 4 Grade 8s, 1 Grade 7, 1 Grade 6 and 2 Grade 5s and Max O'Connor achieved 1 Grade 9, 3 Grade 8s, 3 Grade 7s and 3 Grade 6s.
FELSTED SCHOOL
Over at Felsted, 46 per cent of all exams were graded 9-7 while 18 pupils achieved a full set of 9-7 grades.
Headmaster, Chris Townsend, said: "There are some exceptional results this year. Achieving these results requires a team effort from all the teaching staff, pastoral support, parental commitment, and of course, the hard work and determination of the students."
Drama, English, Latin, music and religious studies all achieved more than 80 per cent at grade 6 or above whilst 95 per cent of the 103 students that took their GCSEs achieved five grades between 9 and 4.
As well as this, all those who took Latin achieved a 9 or 8.
Would-be engineers, doctors, anthropologists and lawyers were among Felsted's most exceptional students this year.
Emilia Mackenzie, from New Zealand, was Felsted's top performer, achieving nine 9s and an 8 grade in her GCSEs, despite not actually being at the school for several months. Emilia returned to New Zealand in January this year with her parents, and so was supported over the next five months in her learning from afar, returning only to sit her exams this summer. At Felsted since Year 9, Emilia was a member of the Roberts Academic Society and entered creative writing competitions. She hopes to study engineering at Imperial College London.
Francesca Slater, from Great Bardfield, was awarded seven 9s and two 8 grades. Frankie is a Lance Corporal in the Felsted Combined Cadet Force and also a talented thespian, having been chosen to join the National Youth Theatre on their summer programme. She aspires to study law.
Henry Barker, from Little Bardfield, gained six 9s, three 8s and one 7 grade. Henry plays grade 8 piano and is working towards his grade 8 in trumpet and guitar. He also took a lead role in Felsted's production of Les Misérables, where he had the opportunity to travel to New York with the drama department last summer.
Holly Pilcher, from Little Dunmow, achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s. At Felsted since Reception, Holly performs saxophone with the school jazz band and is also a member of the school steel band. With ambitions to become a vet, Holly will be taking A Levels in biology, chemistry, maths and Latin.
Tom Conlon, from Barnston gained four 9s, four 8s and two 7 grades. Tom took part in a Round Square Exchange to Germany last year and took part in a Model United Nations conference in the Hague. He is hoping to pursue a career in politics or anthropology.
Accomplished musician Alexandra Crossey, from Colchester, gained seven 9s and three 8 grades. Alexandra plays the violin, piano and saxophone with the Felsted Orchestra and String Ensemble and hopes to study medicine at university.
Elliott Gander, from Great Notley, achieved five grade 9s and five grade 8s. Elliott performs with the school jazz and funk bands on his electric and acoustic guitars and is also joint president of the Junior Academic Society.
Keen tennis player and member of the school's medical society, Milly Adshead-Grant, from Cressing, gained seven 9s and two 8 grades. She would like to read medicine at university and enjoys playing tennis.
Tom Conlon, from Barnston gained four 9s, four 8s and two 7 grades. Tom took part in a Round Square Exchange to Germany last year and took part in a Model United Nations conference in The Hague. He is hoping to pursue a career in politics or anthropology.
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