RETIRING head teacher Huw Derrick has paid tribute to students at Ormiston Park Academy in Aveley after overseeing his final GCSE results day.

Mr Derrick is retiring in September after 34 years in education. Mr Derrick first joined the school in 2004 and has served as Ormiston Park's principal since 2014.

He said: "We are so incredibly proud of our students and the results they have achieved. They have worked extremely hard over the last two years and I am glad that the results reflect this.

"The academic year came to a challenging and uncertain end, but the way in which our students have responded to the circumstances has been fantastic. They really are a credit to Ormiston Park, their families and themselves.

"This is my final Results Day, and what a way to end! In a difficult year, the students have done remarkably well and we wish them all the very best of luck as they make the next exciting steps in their education and beyond."

Among some of the individual successes at Ormiston this year are:

• Jose Vera Cruz – 10 GCSEs All grade 6-9, including 4 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s, 1 grade 7.

• Alicja Rembecka – 10 GCSEs All grade 6-9, including 4 x grade 9, 3 Grade 8S, 1 grade 7. Alicia is going to Havering Sixth Form College where she will be studying A levels in Biology, English Literature and Psychology, as well as AS Mathematics.

• Oska Robertson – 9 GCSEs – all 6s and above, including a Grade 9, three Grade 8, one Grade 7.

• Kamila Kozlova – 10 GCSEs – all 5-9s, including a Grade 9, a Grade 8, five Grade 7. Kamila is going to Eastbury community school sixth form to study A levels in Biology, Psychology and English Literature.

• Aaron Benimoh – joined OPA during Year 11 after arriving in UK, but still was able to secure 8 qualifications, including a grade 4 in Biology and a grade 5 in Physics, down to his hard work and commitment.

• Brooke Davey – Despite having to spend some time in hospital during Year 11, Brooke's hard work and commitment to her studies paid off. She achieved all Grade 5-9s in her 9 qualifications. Brooke is looking forward to attending USP Palmers College to study A levels in Biology, English and Exercise Science.