THERE were huge sighs of relief as 15,000 pupils across Essex opened their hard-won exam results.

Headteachers and teaching staff can relax after 65 per cent of pupils in Essex achieved A* to C grades in both English and maths, compared with 61 per cent last year.

In addition, 24.6 per cent achieved the English Baccalaureate qualification, up from 22.4 per cent in 2015.

Nationally, the number of students achieving A* to C grades is down 2.1 per cent to 66.9 per cent.

The proportion achieving A* and A is also down, by 0.7 percentage points to 20.5per cent.

Southend schools had lots to celebrate, especially Southend High School for Girls where 19 pupils achieved up to 13 A* and A grades, and Westcliff High School for Boys, where 72 per cent of pupils achieved A or A* grades.

Schools in Basildon and Canvey were also congratulating their pupils including Basildon Academy, which got its best ever results, and Castle View School where the majority of pupils got A* to C grades.

Cllr Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, said: “Essex is on a fantastic school improvement journey and these results cap another strong year for education in the county.

“The county’s GCSE results are testament to the hard work of pupils and staff, and I would like to congratulate everyone on their achievements.

Get advice on further education, apprenticeships and employment from Essex County Council’s Employment and Skills Team by calling 0800 707 6384 or visiting facebook.com/esuessex