Tension and anxiety gave way to relief and joy as students opened envelopes containing their A-and AS-level results.

Many of the students at Newham College of Further Education stood around the Welfare Road, Stratford site before plucking up the courage to go inside to see how they had fared.

Once inside and with the all important white envelopes in their hands, most went off to quiet corners to see the contents.

One who decided to share the contents was Ronnie Ile, 20, from Grantham Road, Manor Park who received confirmation of her university place at Greenwich before she knew what her results were.

She gained an A* in Business Studies, a C in Law and an A in Sociology AS-level.

She said: “I have been having nightmares about failing these exams. I was expecting much worse. I can’t believe it.”

She is planning to celebrate by having a sleep.

Ronnie plans to train to be a teacher.

Ekene Anekwe, 18, from Leyton gained Bs in Maths, Biology and Physics and a C in Chemistry at AS level. He plans to study engineering once he has completed his A-levels next year.

He said: “I did not tell my mum in case I failed. Now she will be surprised.”

He said he had not expected such good grades, especially in Physics as he had found it a tough subject. He paid tribute to his teacher, Bryn Monroe who gave them extra sessions to ensure they understood the subject.

Amani Nazir, 17, from Chigwell gained a B in Psychology and a D in Biology at AS-level. She was pleased at her grades and plans to continue with the rest of her course.

Conchita Henry, executive director at the Welfare Road campus, paid tribute to the hard work of the students and their teachers.

She said: “I am really delighted that our students have done so well and that it opens up possibilities for them for their future. Our excellent teachers have helped the students to achieve beyond their expectations.”

She said there were fewer students completing their A-levels this year because their was a reduction in the numbers who had begun the courses last year.

There were many more students completing their AS-levels this year.