There was joy and pleasure at Eggar’s School on Thursday when the Class of 2022 went in to collect their GCSE results following the first set of external exams since 2019.

The pupils had shown extraordinary resilience and determination throughout the terrible disruption to their education caused by the coronavirus pandemic that entered their lives in March 2020.

Year 11 pupils had been unbelievably focused on their studies and it was a delight for the staff to see them collect the results which they had worked so hard for and deserved.

Headteacher Patrick Sullivan said: “We could not be prouder of their achievements, and we congratulate them and thank their teachers for the brilliant way they have helped our students during the last two years. The mood was buoyant here today; they have achieved really good results.

“I would like to thank every member of staff who has contributed to this. It has been a really difficult three years, but their relentless professionalism and kindness have enabled the year group to do so well.”