Worksop: GCSE Outwood pupils make the grade

But there was no need to worry, with top grades at both Outwood Academy Valley and Outwood Academy Portland improving by three per cent.

Seventy-nine per cent of pupils at Portland achieved five A*-C grades, including English and maths, with 76 per cent at Valley.

Nationally, A*-C increased slightly, but A* and A grades dropped.

The number of A*-C grades has gone up to 69 per cent, from 68.8 per cent in 2014, but A* grades fell by 0.1 percentage points. The overall pass rate was 98.6 per cent.

Dr Phillip Smith, associate executive principal at both Portland and Valley, said: “It has been another amazing year. The results keep going up and up. It is about team work.”

The youngsters at both schools could be seen congratulating each other as they were handed their results.

Valley student, Elisha Woods, who achieved a B in English, B in art and C in maths, said: “I have been going to after school classes in maths so I am happy. I am going to North Notts College study art.”

Fellow Valley pupils, Oliver Spacey and Winnie Tai, took the maths exam two years early, but still achieved incredible A* grades. Oliver said: “It is absolutely amazing.”

Winnie said: “It is the best feeling in the world.”

There were also smiles all around amongst teachers at Portland in the school hall room.

Head of the science, Daniel Woffindin, said: “This is what it is about. I am really humbled, they have worked incredibly hard.”

English tutor, Vanessa Davis, said: “I did not sleep much last night, it is unbelievable. They have all set a really good example for next year.”

Acting head of maths, Dzoboku Godsway, said: “It has made it all worthwhile, it is not just about headline figures, it is about life chances.”

And star Portland pupil, Matthew Mellor, who achieved nine A* grades, said: “I could not have done it without my teachers, it is all down to them.”

Just fours years ago, Worksop schools were struggling and pupils were trailing behind nationally.

Now, both Outwood schools are in the top five per cent in terms of achievements.

Dr Philip Smith added: “These results are astounding and are a reflection of all the hard work people have put in. Students are fully aware of how important GCSEs are for their future and really give everything they’ve got. This is matched by the level of commitment from staff to produce something miraculous.”

Sir Michael Wilkins, chief executive, also passed on his congratulations and said he was ‘delighted’ with the results and praised the leadership of Dr Smith.

Councillor John Peck, Notts County Council’s committee chairman for children and young people’s services, said: “I would like to congratulate Nottinghamshire pupils and their teachers who have worked so hard.

“For many of our young people, these results will be a cause for great celebration, confirming plans for their post-16 education. However, for some, results may be disappointing, but I would encourage those students to seek advice from their teachers or the exam results helpline for information on what to do next.

“Since 2013, all students have been expected to continue to access education or training until their 18th birthday and the increase in apprenticeship opportunities will provide some pupils with appropriate work based opportunities. And, for those young people, not yet ready for apprenticeships, traineeships can be accessed for up to six months.”

Valley top achievers: Charlotte Fields, 11A*; Jack Johnson, 7A*; Chloe Holmes, 7A*; Reece Trolley, 5A*; Ella Simmonite, 5A*; Gemma Sleight, 5A*. Portland top achievers: Katie Croft, 10A*; Matthew Mellor, 10A*; Rachael Allan, 9A*; Caitlin Ryan, 8A*; Louise Somerset, 8A* Chloe Hallewell, 6A*.