THERE were tears of joy at Dorcan Academy yesterday as students opened the all-important envelope containing their GCSE results.

With this year being the first group to take the exams under the new conditions, there were a lot of nerves but most students were celebrating their achievements.

Among them was head girl Tatenda Moyo, 16, who achieved an impressive seven A*s, four As and a B.

She said: “I am so happy. This is much better than I was expecting. I will be going to Clifton College next year so I’m relieved to have got the grades I need to go.

“The school has been really supportive all the way through. They have helped to build up other skills rather than just focusing on exams.”

A tearful Amie Astbury, 16, was jubilant after exceeding all expectations to get a C or more in her exams.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic right now as it means I can go onto college to do animal biology which is what I really want to do,” she said.

“I was really worried about how I had done in maths but I got a C which I’m really pleased about.”

Charlotte Doble, 16, was celebrating with the friends she has been with since Covingham Primary School.

She said: “I’ve done a lot better than I was expecting so I can go to Cirencester College. I’m really happy and also very relieved.”

Doctor Scott Sissons, the headteacher at Dorcan, said: “The school has seen another improvement in results against a backdrop of major changes and rising standards in the exams system.

“These results reflect the hard work of our students and the outstanding support they have been given both at school and at home in preparing for their examinations.

“School staff and parents can be extremely pleased with such impressive performances.

“And we all congratulate these young people on their drive and commitment and wish them every success as they leave us and go on to college and beyond.”