A school for children who struggle with learning has achieved its first A grade pass in English and announced its new status as a free school.

Thursday’s GCSE results saw Community Links’ school, Education Links, celebrate a 91 per cent pass rate after 23 students sat the exams.

It provides an education for children who have been excluded from mainstream schools and will transfer to a free school on September 1.

Harry Holman achieved 8 GCSEs and is going to a horticulture employment and apprenticeship course while Leanne Tansley got 6 GCSEs and will go on to a Level 3 course in Media.

Principal of Education Links, Sandy Davies, said: “We are thrilled with this year’s GCSE successes. These results are part of a hard-fought journey for every young person and they are the next steps on the way to a brighter future for them all.

“The free school status is the next crucial phase in our school’s development.

“It will enable to us to continue that work and provide the young people of Newham and neighbouring boroughs with a sustainable education offer for the years ahead.”

Read more: GCSE maths success for Royal Docks Community School