Grays Convent High School has scored its best ever GCSE results, smashing the national average.

Students and staff celebrated as a 'phenomenal' 70 per cent gained five or more A* to C grades including English and Maths and over half of students got A* to B grades with 56 per cent.

Top achiever, Morgan Brady, also secured a full house with 11 A*s. The results showed the school outshone the local and national average for GCSE results, with over a quarter of overall grades were A* or A.

Head Penny Johnson said she was 'thrilled' with the result's back after her first year leading the school.

She said: “This year’s GCSE results show the best year in the school’s history and the fact we have significantly exceeded both local and national averages is a major bonus.

"The achievements across the board, particularly in some of the more challenging subjects, demonstrate just how talented our girls are and how committed our teachers are to empowering our students to succeed and realise their potential.

"Congratulations Class of 2015!”

Further achievements included one hundred per cent of girls excelling in English, with 100 per cent getting A to C in English Literature and 97 per cent in English Language. Top marks were also gained in Science, with 82 per cent getting A to C and 77 per cent in Maths.

Other successes included 95 per cent of History students achieving A*-C grades. The English and History results increased despite national fears both subjects would decline.

Following a rigorous curriculum overhaul initiated by the school’s new Headteacher Mrs Johnson, the school has seen a significant increase in the number of students achieving the academic EBacc pathway to 45 per cent, over 20 per cent above the 2014 national average.

Students who were pulled out for particular praise included: Tishana Nyamutsamba, who got eight A*s and three As; Sarah Woodburn, who got six A* 5As and one B; Chidinma ECHANAH, who got five A*s and six As; and Eleanor BAKER who got five A*s, four As and two Bs.

The school was joined on exam results day by Councillor John Kent, Leader of Thurrock Council and Carmel Littleton, Director of Children Services.