After months of waiting, some students were even accompanied by their families as they eagerly opened the envelopes containing their grades.

Among the many success stories are Jennifer McPhee who achieved two grade 9s (the equivalent of an A** before the grading system changed) and a whopping eight grade 8s. She now plans to continue her academic success by going on to study at Manchester College.

Jennifer wasn’t the only student on Cloud 9 this morning, either – with Alana Birch picking up the top grade in Chemistry and is now heading off to Pendleton Sixth Form College.

Principal Ms Haselden said: “Congratulations to all of our students and staff on another strong GCSE performance.  Given the introduction of the new, harder grading system it is particularly pleasing to see the celebrations taking place this morning by students who clearly have an exciting future ahead of them.  This is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Year 11s and our staff who have worked tirelessly over the past two years to achieve these solid results.”