Witham's New Rickstones Academy is celebrating its best ever GCSE results.

The percentage of its 129 pupils achieving five A* to Cs, including English and maths, rose by six per cent to 49 per cent.

Notable success stories included Harriet Corke (seven A*/As and four Bs), Nicole Mason (nine A*/As and one B), Rebecca Russell (ten A*/A grades) and Lauren Goebel (12 A*/A grades).

Headteacher Trenica King said: “We are delighted at our results this year because they are the highest in history.

“It’s testament to the whole group of students, staff and the parents who have helped them at home.”

Martin Booth, director of the school’s sixth form, said he expected the number of pupils enrolling to rise from 95 last year to about 120 this time round.