THERE were smiles, cheers and a few tears when students across the Vale ripped open their GCSE results.

The teenagers returned to school on Thursday to pick up the results, which many had been waiting anxiously for.

In a year described as “turbulent” students at Vale schools were pleased to have bucked the national trend.

Prince Henry’s High School saw 87 per cent of its students achieve at least five A* to C grades, up three per cent on last year, and 97 per cent received five A* to G grades.

Impressively, 28 per cent of the grades were at A* to A and the overall pass rate was 99.3 per cent.

Dr Tony Evans, headteacher, said: “These results highlight once again the outstanding standards here at Prince Henry’s, and they are a tribute to the hard work and dedication of the students, the quality of the teaching, and the continuous support provided from parents and families.”

Holly Sagar, aged 16, of Eckington, received seven A* grades and four A grades. “I am ecstatic,” she said. “I was lined up for disappointment. I have been really nervous, because I thought I hadn’t done so well.”

Friends Beth Smith, aged 16, of Ashton, also did well, achieving 10 A* grades and a distinction, while James Mackins, 16, of Durcott Gardens, Evesham, was delighted with four A* grades and seven A grades.

Over at Evesham High results have also improved on previous years with 84 per cent of students achieving five or more GCSEs at A* to C grade and all pupils achieved GCSE level qualifications.

Both schools also achieved the highest ever pass rates in maths, in a year it was suggested levels had slipped nationally.

Headteacher Caroline Browne said: “We are very pleased that, in a turbulent year of changing and uncertain expectations from the government and exam boards, we have matched and improved on our school's good results from last year.“

One of the successful students, Aimee Booth, 16, of Fairfield, who got all one A*, six A grades, four B’s and a merit in ICT, said: “I was amazed, I am really happy. I didn’t get much sleep last night, it is a long time waiting.”

John Garrood, of Charity Crescent, achieved an A*, six A grades, three B’s and two C’s. He added: “I was exhilarated when I opened the results.”

At Pershore High School 74 per cent of students secured five or more A* to C grades and the five A* to C rate including English and Mathematics reached 60.4 per cent.

High grade performance also rose, with 8.7 per cent of grades being at A*, and 13.6 per cent at A. Overall A* and A performance was up to 22.3 per cent.

Head teacher Clive Corbett said: “Following on from the unresolved injustice of last year, we are celebrating a very encouraging set of GCSE results. I would again like to congratulate all concerned – their fabulous achievements are all the more remarkable given the increasingly more demanding national expectations.”