The Echo celebrate students getting their GCSE results

Take a look at a selection of high achievers. 

James Quigley, 16, from Southend - a pupil at Wesctcliff High School for Boys - achieved 14 A*s.

Ross McIntyre, 16, from Westcliff achieved 13 A*s.

The Westcliff High School for Boys student said: “I was nervous last night, I didn’t sleep well. When I opened my results, I was speechless, I didn’t expect it. I worked really hard and after the mock exams I really pushed myself. After sixth form, I hope to go to Oxford or Cambridge.”

Jerzy Foss, 16, from Shoebury got 11 A* and two As.

The Westcliff High School for Boys student said: “I wanted the two As to be A*s because I worked really hard. I found French and geography the most difficult. I put the most effort into the sciences because I wanted the grades. I want to study theoretical physics at university, maybe at Oxford University.”

James Fraser, 16, from Felsted, got nine A* and three A grades.

The Westcliff High School for Boys student said: “I was relieved all the hard work paid off, now I will celebrate with my family. Oxford University is my number one choice, to study economics and history because I like the idea of a joint degree. But I want to be a film director so economics will give me a firm basis.”

Ayo Ojo, 16, from Barking, got 10 A* and three A grades.

The Westcliff High School for Boys student said: “I am pleased with my grades, I had to put the hard work in but it paid off. I will be staying on for sixth form and after that hopefully go to Imperial College or LSE to study finance or medicine.”

Alexander Galvin, 16, from Eastwood, got 11 A* and one A grades.

The Westcliff High School for Boys student said: “I am delighted with my grades, I have put in six months of effort. I was predicted these grades but I am still over the moon. It was difficult to keep focused but I have two weeks off before the hard work starts again.

James Needs, 16, from Leigh achieved four A* four A and two B grades.

The Eastwood Academy student said: "I am very happy, I really wasn't expecting it- I didn't keep my hopes too high because I didn't want to be disappointed. I had to be very self-motivated to revise for weeks and months but getting my results has been the best part. I am going to Southend High School for Girls for sixth form because I had a good feel for the school and I was impressed at the open day." 

Rachael Steeles, 16, from Southend achieved six A* three A and a B grade.

The Eastwood Academy student said: "I beat my older brother's GCSE grades so I am really happy. I worked stupidly hard for the exams, maybe harder than I needed to. I hope to go to Southend High School for Girls for sixth form and then either Oxford or Durham University to study PPE. I like Politics and that's what i want to do, maybe be Prime Minister." 

Phoebe Jeffrey, 16, from Henley Crescent achieved three A*, six A and a B grade. 

The Eastwood Academy student said: "I am really happy, i expected to get more B's because I worked hard but came out some of the exams and panicked, thinking I didn't do as well. It was the best feeling after the last exam, pure relief of pressure. I am going to Southend High School for Girls for sixth form and they have really good career help so I know I will have a good career path."

Zack Littlejohn, 16, from Leigh got four A* five A and one B grades.

The Eastwood Academy student said: "I am happy- I expected these results because I worked hard and went to most of the revision classes. Knowing how much to revise and when to relax was difficult, especially the day before the exam. I plan on going to Southend High School for Boys for sixth form and then think about university or an apprenticeship. I hope to become a banker in London, because of the money."

Kyle Coulson, 16, from Eastwood achieved four A*, five A and a C grade.

The Eastwood Academy student said: "I am over the moon, I worked really hard- the difficult part was waiting for the results all summer. I plan on going to sixth form but I am not sure where yet, but I know I want to study maths, design technology, and psychology. As for University, it depends on how my A levels go. To celebrate, i will be going out tonight with my good friends."