Staff and students at a Stratford school are celebrating after achieving a 10 per cent increase in GCSE pass rates.

Newham Recorder: Tyler Opoku from Stratford School Academy with his resultsTyler Opoku from Stratford School Academy with his results (Image: Archant)

Altogether, 64 per cent of pupils at Stratford School Academy received five A* to C grades, including Maths and English, compared to 54 per cent last year.

Headteacher, Andrew Seager, told the Recorder the school achieved higher pass rates thanks to a joint effort between teachers and pupils.

He said: “Last September we took a very close look at how we were preparing our students for their GCSE’s and at what other schools were doing.

“We then put together a new programme which we though was on improvement on what we had done before. And it’s worked.

Newham Recorder: St Bonaventure's student Norwyn Crame opening his resultsSt Bonaventure's student Norwyn Crame opening his results (Image: Archant)

“But what we did as teachers is only half the story, it needed our pupils to buy into what we were doing and they did.

“They turned up to all extra lessons and worked harder than they ever had before.”

After picking up their results, students entered a video booth to record messages of encouragement for the next group of Year 11 pupils.

Tyler Opoku, 16, who will be studying A-levels at Chobham Academy from September after receiving three A*, seven A, and one C, said: “We get given a question to answer when we’re inside. This will then be played to the next group of Year 11 pupils to inspire them.

Newham Recorder: St Angela's Ursuline students celebrate top resultsSt Angela's Ursuline students celebrate top results (Image: Archant)

“I’m happy with my results overall.”

Bianca Acheampong, 16, achieved five A and six B grades. She said: “I’m really happy with my results, especially with humanities, I didn’t think I’ll get an A. I’m also so happy about getting an A in Maths.”

It was also a great day for St Angela’s Ursuline school and St Bonaventure’s school as students picked up their results.

There were smiles all round as 75 per cent of pupils at St Angela’s Ursuline picked up five A* to C grades, while 70 per cent of students at St Bonaventure’s received five A* to C grades, including Maths and English.

St Bonaveture’s student, Norwyn Crame, 16, achieved four A*, 5 A and one B. He said: “I was shocked. I thought I was going to get lower grades. If you expect the worst then you’ll be pleasantly surprised.”

Amber Perera, 16, of St Angela’s Ursuline, achieved eight A* and three A grades. She added: “I was surprised with my results. I’m really happy, it is like a relief.

“I’m not going to be getting bad dreams anymore.”