STUDENTS and staff at William Edwards School in Grays, part of South West Essex Community Education Trust, are beaming with pride after excellent results were announced today (Thursday, 24 August)

Year 11 pupils who were nervously waiting to receive their GCSE and BTEC results were rewarded with significant success in a wide range of subjects.

As well as core subjects, pupils did exceptionally well in a wide range of subjects including art, photography, music, construction and health and social care.

Strong pass rates of 92% and 95% were achieved in art and photography respectively and in seven subject areas, at least three-quarters of all pupils achieved good passes.

It was a memorable day for Year 11 students at William Edwards.

There were a large number of individual successes and two pupils, Paige (pictured) and Molly secured 15 grade 9s, two grade 8s and three grade 7s between them.

Headteacher Simon Bell said: "We are incredibly proud of the results our pupils achieved.

"We must not forget that this year group had significant parts of their Year 8 and 9 disrupted and this year have had to face grades returning to pre-pandemic levels.

"There is a strong case to argue that this year group have been the hardest hit by events of the last few years.

"Therefore, to achieve what they have done in these circumstances is something special and we are delighted that almost every single one of them is able to access the next stage of their education.

"I also want to thank both the staff and the parents for their hard work and dedication over the last five years."