IT was Denis McCabe’s first year as head of Aldworth Science College and he was delighted to celebrate its GCSE results with his students.

More than 57 per cent achieved five or more A* to C grades, including English and maths, while more than 68 per cent earned five or more A* to C grades overall.

Mr McCabe said: “Our students have performed well and have achieved some excellent GCSE grades.

“We are proud of them all. Many of our students have made better than expected progress.”

Among the top performers was Meghan Jones, of Bronze Close, Beggarwood.

The 16-year-old said: “I’m really pleased – I did better than I thought I would.

“I was really worried I wasn’t going to get an A in French – if I hadn’t I would have been very disappointed.”

In fact she earned an A* in French and also achieved four As and four Bs.

Now she is off to study A-levels at Queen Mary’s College.

Celebrating with Meghan was Sam Stevens, 16, of Salisbury Gardens, South Ham. He earned four As, three Bs and a distinction star for his BTEC in Busi-ness.

He said: “It’s a relief to have the results. They are all right.”

With plans to become a history teacher, Aimee Cowie, 16, of Antrim Close, Buckskin is on track after earning an A* in history, along with three As, two Bs and two Cs.

She said she was happy and would go to Queen Mary’s College, but miss everyone at Aldworth. Shannon Jamieson, 16, of Cleaver Road, South Ham, aims to become a lawyer.

She earned an A* in English literature, along with three As and four Bs.