AFTER years of hard work, coursework, revision, exams and nerves, it is finally over.

The grounds of Stroud High School were packed with excited and anxious pupils waiting to collect their GCSE grades this morning.

The wait proved worthwhile for the teenagers who were well rewarded with outstanding results – with nearly 70 per cent of grades coming as either A* or A.

Pre-result nerves were quickly replaced by scenes of jubilation, with more than a few tears of joy being shed as students shared their results.

Thirty per cent of girls at Stroud High achieved 10 A* or A grades - again proving it is one of the best performing school in the county.

Head teacher Mark McShane said: “We are absolutely thrilled for the girls who have just received their GCSE results. For many it is the culmination of five years hard work at the school.

“We are proud that they have not only achieved the academic success they deserve but they have done this whilst contributing so much to our school community.

“If they could achieve grades for their commitment to our extra-curricular programme they would also receive top marks.

“This year over 68 per cent of GCSE grades were A*/A grades and it is worth noting that many of the girls excelled across the full range of subjects.

“30 per cent of girls achieved 10 A*/A grades and over half the girls achieved eight or more A*/A grades.

“As ever enabling the girls to achieve their personal best is a real team effort and I would to like to thank our entire staff team and all of the parents for their hard work and vital support.”

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The lawn outside the school’s main building were filled with happy pupils, as some thanked teachers for their support, some hugged friends and others rang proud parents to tell them the good news.

Two of these high achievers were aspiring vets Charlotte Lazell and Sophie Jones, who are both 16.

“I’m in complete shock. I never thought I’d do so well,” said Charlotte from Rodborough, who achieved eight A*s and two As.

“All the teachers here have been amazing, I couldn’t have done it without them. Especially my biology teacher Mr Harrison – he has been so great.”

She is now planning to study biology, chemistry, maths and politics at the school’s sixth form, with hopes of one day studying at university to become a vet.

Sophie from Eastington has also set her heart on becoming a vet – and has set herself up well with outstanding grades.

She achieved an A* in every exam she took this year. “I wasn’t expecting to do quite so well I’m absolutely thrilled,” she said.

“My dad was here to open the grades with me. He was so proud.”

Like many of her fellow pupils, she is also planning to stay on to attend sixth form at SHS, and will study biology, chemistry, physics and French.

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Another high flier this year was Precious Kennedy-Hamilton, 16, whose months of hard work certainly paid off.

She also made her parents very proud by getting eight A*s and two As.

“It was amazingly well, better than I thought, so I’m really happy. All my friends did really well too so it feels amazing.

“I had been playing back the exams in my head over and over again so I was so nervous this morning. My family came with me but I had to open them on my own.

“I had been struggling a little bit in maths earlier in the year, but Mr Williams really helped me through it.

“I really want to go into politics or human rights work one day so I’m planning to study philosophy, maths, politics and Spanish here in September.”

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As well as the aspiring vets and politicians, there were also a handful of pupils who are aiming for the lofty heights of studying medicine.

Two of these pupils were Stroud girls Ore Mohammed and Amy Hennessey, who are both 16.

Ore achieved nine A*s and two As, while her classmate Amy picked up eight A*s, two As and B in additional maths.

“I’m so happy with my grades. I was convinced I was going to fail additional maths,” said Amy.

“I was so nervous this morning and last night and I was crying before I went it to pick up my grades.

“I am planning to study at Pates in Cheltenham. But I’m going to miss everyone here and all the teachers - they have been fantastic.”

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Ore (pictured, right) added: “It’s great to see everyone here today so happy. I am so pleased with how my own marks went.

“I put a lot of effort into this and revised for months beforehand. My parents actually had to tell me to stop revising at some points because I was doing so much.

“I’m just so happy it’s paid off. I am also heading to Pates in September to study maths, further maths, chemistry and biology.”

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