Students in Halstead showed grit and determination to achieve some top GCSE results.

The town’s Ramsey Academy said it was “delighted” to report some excellent achievements by its students in their GCSE & BTEC qualifications this summer.

Despite many struggling with a Covid-ridden education journey with many students in Year 8 when schools closed as a result of coronavirus, the school said the quality of results has been maintained and is in line with expectations.

The highest achieving students were Katie R who achieved five grade 9’s, three grade 8’s and one grade 7.

Elsewhere, Tom W also saw great success, as he achieved three grade 9’s and six grade 8’s.

In addition to these, the academy said “it was pleasing to see the number of grade 9’s achieved by a number of students in a range of subjects”.

These included Katie R –in Biology, History, Maths, Spanish and PE, Tom W in Food Preparation and Nutrition, History and Physics and Marty S in both Biology and Physics.

Additionally, William C got a great result in Combined Science, Rhys J in English Language, French and Religious Studies and Jay C in Maths and Physics.

Headteacher Charlotte Sterland was left full of pride for the students, staff and parents.

She said: “I would like to congratulate all of our students on their achievements and the progress they have made during some difficult times – their hard work and resilience has paid off.

“I would like to thank all the staff who have gone above and beyond to support our students in achieving their best.

“I would also like to thank the parents for the support they have given to the school and their child during the course of their studies at The Ramsey Academy.

“We wish all our students the best in their next step of their educational journey and look forward to hearing about their next achievements.”

Nationally, more than a fifth (22.0 per cent) of UK GCSE entries were awarded the top grades – at least a 7 or an A grade – this year.