Students across east Suffolk rose to the challenge of passing their GCSEs despite having their studies disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and in some cases, by the Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) crisis.
At Farlingaye High School in Woodbridge, pupils had to cope with the partial closure of the Ransom Road premises in September due to safety concerns as some of the buildings were built using RAAC.
Staff had to scramble to find alternative spaces around the school site that could be transformed into classrooms so students could continue with their education.
READ MORE: GCSE Results Day 2024: Suffolk School results as it happens
The school's headteacher Peter Smith said: “We are delighted for all of our Year 11 students.
READ MORE: Suffolk school affected by RAAC has had 'very positive term'
"They built momentum during their final academic year and I feel have risen to the challenge that their examinations posed.
"This is a cohort of students who have overcome the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic and now significant disruption to their education through RAAC to achieve brilliant things and on behalf of all the staff here at Farlingaye we would like to congratulate each and every one of them, for their hard work and positive attitude throughout the year.”
In addition, 74% of students achieved grade 4 or above in English and maths.
READ MORE: GCSE Results Day: Suffolk students celebrate their results
High achievers included James Ambrose with eight grade 9s and Oliver Downes with four grade 9s and four grade 8s.
The school's head Philip Hurst said: “I add my congratulations to the students. They have made tremendous progress, achieved well and can go forward with confidence.”
“I also thank the staff for their superb commitment and also the parents for their support.”
"We’re looking forward to working with many in the sixth form and not only look forward to more achievements but also further personal growth.”
Leiston's Alde Valley Academy, which is part of the Kingfisher Schools Trust, saw an improvement in results compared to previous years.
READ MORE: Felixstowe news
Headteacher Jonathan Harris said: “Our students have worked incredibly hard this academic year and we are pleased to see an improvement in our results, which is a testament to the hard work of both staff and students and the ambitions we have for Alde Valley Academy."
Framlingham College principal Louise North was "delighted" with Year 11 pupils, with 24% of exams achieving grades 8 and 9, while 44% were awarded grades 7 to 9.
In total, 85% were at grades 5 or above.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
She said: “I am delighted with the achievements of our Year 11 pupils. They have worked so hard and have thrown themselves into their learning. These results reflect their positive, determined mindset.
"GCSEs demand a great deal from our young people, expecting them to master subject matter and develop analytical and evaluative skills across – in most cases – in at least nine different subjects.
"The important thing is that each pupil has given their all to these examinations. In doing so, they will have achieved their very best. I am very proud of them and they should be proud of themselves too.”
Felixstowe School headteacher Emma Wilson-Downes said pupils had been "incredible" in rising to meet the challenges they had been presented with.
Notable successes at the school in Walton High Street included Kate Golden, who got two Grade 9s, three Grade 8s and four Grade 7s, Ruby Davies, who got one Grade 9, two Grade 8s and four Grade 7s, and William Farrow, who achieved two Grade 8s and five Grade 7s.
At St Felix School in Southwold, 21% of exams were at grades 8 and 9, 36% at grades 7 to 9, 62% at grades 6 to 9 and 92% at grades 4 to 9.
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