Thousands of pupils are celebrating after getting their GCSE results and finding out if they got the grades to go to sixth form or collage.

There were cheers and tears at Nower Hill High School in George V Avenue, as pupils opened their brown envelopes to find out how they had done in their summer exams.

Megan Bailey, 16, received 11 A* and two As and will be going on to Nower Hill Sixth form.

She said: “I just can believe it really. I’m so so happy with my results. It’s been a lot of work to get and it has been quite stressful.

“I’m just glad all the hard work has paid off and I am really looking forward to starting sixth form.”

Another pupil celebrating was Katriona Carter-Robinson, who got six A*s and two As including an A in ancient Greek.

The 16-year-old said: “I’m thrilled really and just so glad I got the grades to go to sixth form.

“I’m really looking to the next challenge and I really want to go to Oxford University to study classical history.”

Tahsan Allman, 16 who got A*s and As said: “I’m really happy with my results but I have to say more than anything I am relieved.

“It’s been a long time to wait for these results and it’s been at the back of my mind for most of the summer.”

Headteacher of the school Chris Livesey said: “In a year when news stories are all about ‘volatility’ in exam grades we are delighted to report that the percentage of our students achieving five or more good grades, including English and maths, has risen substantially.

“Also one in three of all grades awarded are at A* and A, a fabulous achievement.

“We have a record number of our students joining our sixth form to study their A levels and I would like to congratulate all the students on their success.

“We tell them repeatedly that if they work very hard it will pay off and it has.”