THE wait was finally over as excited secondary school pupils found out their GCSE results.

Teenagers woke early this morning and returned to school to find out what they have achieved after five years of effort.

Youngsters at Shenfield School has something to shout about as the school celebrated its best ever GCSE performance.

Carole Herman, headteacher, said 91 per cent of pupils achieved A* to C grades, with two thirds of the number also getting top grades in English and maths.

At Brentwood County High School, more than 83 per cent of pupils achieved A* to C grades and more than 58 per cent achieved A* to C grades, including English and maths.

At St Martin's School in Hutton, 88 per cent of Year 11 achieved at least five passes at grades A* to C and 78 per cent of candidates achieved at least five passes, at grades A* to C, including a pass in English and maths.

Staff and students also had reason to celebrate at Brentwood School.

Ninety-seven per cent of this year’s GCSE pupils achieved A* to C grades, up on last year’s total of 96.1 per cent.