More than half of Witham sixth formers gained A* to B grades.

The New Rickstones and Maltings Academies celebrated with 55 per cent of students gaining the top three grades.

The overall pass rate for A* to E was 99.6%.

Star performers included Alec Granville-Willett who scored A* grades in maths, physics and chemistry and an A in further maths. He will read sciences at Cambridge University.

Sophie Preca achieved an A* in maths, an A in further maths and a B in chemistry, while Alex Partridge scored an A in maths and B grades in further maths and chemistry.

Corrine Woraker secured a double distinction* in BTEC performing arts and a distinction* in music, securing her a place at one of the country’s highly competitive universities in the performing arts field, University of Wales, Trinity St David to study acting.

Oliver Cooke achieved a distinction* in IT, personal and business finance and business studies and is looking to work with a major bank in London.

Eleanor Cruickshank achieved a distinction* in performing arts (dance) and personal and business finance and a B in A-level art (photography), securing a place at Writtle College to study photography.