Star pupils at Helena Romanes in Great Dunmow, where the pass mark was 100 per cent, were Nina Haket, who bagged 12 GCSEs at A* plus two A grades – and Austin Hodge who gained 10 A* grades plus one A grade.

With results up on last year, 61 per cent of students achieved five or more A* to C grades including maths and English. In English, 75 per cent achieved A* to C. In maths, 20 per cent got an A* or A and 91 per cent achieved A* to C in English literature.

Headteacher Simon Knight said: “The Government’s drive to push more students towards the English Baccalaureate saw some significant changes for year 11 students. However, they responded well to the challenge with 35 per cent of students gaining this.”

He paid tribute to the students’ hard work and the dedication of the staff, the support of parents and the commitment of the school governors saying: “These results reflect the continuing improvements we are making to ensure our students achieve their full potential.”