GCSE results 2017: Rises across the board for schools in Thetford, Watton, Methwold, Brandon and Mildenhall

GCSE results at Thetford Grammar SchoolPicture by Suzy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Despite the new system Thetford Academy, Thetford Grammar, Iceni Academy, Wayland Academy, IES Breckland and Mildenhall College all saw increases in the percentage of students who achieved at least a level four in English and maths.

Thetford Academy

51 pc of students who achieved at least a grade four in English and maths - an 11pc increase on 2016.

Thetford Academy students George Davis, Leigh Mortimer, Emma Hassey and Priyanka Jadhav celebrate their great GCSE results. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Emma Hassey achieved a seven in maths, nine in English literature, eight in English language, three A*s, four As and a B.

The 16-year-old, who will attend King Edward VI sixth form in Bury St Emunds, said: “It is just such a relief. I am so happy.”

Mildenhall College Academy students Katie Costello, Finlay Boyle, Charlie Butcher, Kerri Southgate and Rebecca Abeyasekere. Picture: Mildenhall College Academy (Image: Archant)

Priyanka Jadhav will be returning to Thetford Academy’s sixth form.

The 16-year-old gained an eight in maths, distinction in business, A* in maths and As.

She hopes to go to university and study maths.

She said: “I did better than I expected. I am so pleased. I was so nervous this morning that I couldn’t even eat.”

IES Breckland principla Alison Tilbrook celebrating GCSE success with students Jasmine, Thomas, Olivia, Klaudia, Jessica and Callum. Picture: IES Breckland (Image: Archant)

Kevin Blakey, principal, said: “These results are fantastic for the academy and the town, with a big increase on last year despite a tougher curriculum and more rigorous exams.

“I want to thank our staff for their dedication to our young people, and congratulate our fantastic students.”

Wayland Academy students celebrate their GCSE results. Pictured are Nieve Merchant, Caitlin Malt and Jasmine Vincent. Picture: TEN group (Image: Archant)

Thetford Grammar School

95pc of students achieved at least a grade four in English and maths - a 5pc increase on last year.

GCSE results at Thetford Grammar SchoolToby Culling, left and Angus Russell with their fantastic GCSE resultsPicture by Suzy Abbott (Image: Archant)

Toby Culling got eight A*s and two 8s in English literature and English language.

He’s off to Norwich School to study further maths, biology, chemistry with the view to studying medicine at university.

He said: “I did think I could expect those results. I am overjoyed.”

Thetford Academy students celebrate their GCSE results. Picture: Rebecca Murphy (Image: Archant)

Brynmor Jenkins achieved 10 A*s and is staying on to study at the grammar school’s sixth form.

“I am so happy”, he said. “It was what I was hoping for but a lot better than I expected.”

Mark Bedford principal: “I am immensely proud of our Year 11 pupils and exceptionally pleased for their families. This is truly an outstanding set of results and testament to the hard work of our pupils and the inspiration they draw from our wonderful teaching staff.

“Our pupils already lead rich and fulfilling lives: these academic successes come alongside many notable achievements in music, sporting endeavours, the creative arts and community involvement.”

Iceni Academy, Methwold

65pc of students achieved at least a grade four in English and maths - a 1pc increase on last year

Principal Gee Cook said: “Congratulations to Iceni students and their families.

“I am delighted that the results in many subjects and measures, including students getting English and maths GCSEs, have exceeded the record results set last year.

“Our students, staff and Governors have worked tirelessly to ensure that expected National declines in results have not affected Iceni students who continue to achieve record results.”

MORE - GCSE results 2017: Full list of results from Norfolk and Waveney

Wayland Academy, Watton

57pc of students achieved at least a grade four in English and maths - 3pc increase on 2016

Glen Allott, principal, said: “I would like to congratulate our students on achieving Wayland Academy Norfolk’s best ever GCSE results.

“57pc of students achieving grades nine to four in English and maths surpasses last year’s previous best results.

“I am very proud of our amazing students and their fantastic teachers and support staff on this achievement.”

IES Breckland. Brandon

52pc of students achieved at least a level four in English and maths - 12pc increase on 2016

Principal Alison Tilbrook said: “At IES Breckland we are proud of the hard work and effort of students and staff to secure the schools best ever GCSE results.”

Mildenhall College Academy

55pc of students achieved at least a grade four in English and math - 3pc increase on last year

High achievers include Rebecca Abeyasekere who gained 12 A*s and As, with 8 A*s and a 9 in maths.

Finlay Boyle gained 12 A*s and As, with six A*s and a nine in maths.

Finlay also achieved one of the highest results in the country for further maths with a score of 171 marks out of a possible 175 and was rewarded with an A* with distinction.

Susan Byles, principal, said: “I have never known a year group to work so hard in meeting and overcoming new challenges.

“I am immensely proud of each and every one of our pupils. This cohort has beaten all previous records in the number of A*/A grades that have been achieved.

“They were the first year group to join MCA at the start of Year 7 following the closure of the middle schools and they are the first cohort to have taken the new linear GCSEs in maths and English which are undoubtedly the hardest exams that pupils in this age group have ever had to sit.”