IT was celebrations all round while students collected their GCSE results across Chelmsford.

Comprehensive and grammar schools throughout the borough reported outstanding achievements, while national results fell dramatically across the board.

Headteachers praised pupils and teachers alike for their efforts, which saw some schools achieve record results.

TOWIE star Joey Essex attended Moulsham High School to try and get a D in General Studies, 10 years after he took the exams.

Sandon School reported its "best results in history" with 70 per cent of children achieving A*-C.

Headteacher Jo Wincott, said: “The results demonstrate that we continue to go from strength to strength.

The results reflect the students’ hard work and conscientious attitude.

"These are the best GCSE results in the school’s history."

Over at New Hall School, celebrations were underway after fifteen 11-year-olds became the youngest candidates nationally achieving a GCSE politics qualification, with an 87 per cent A*- A pass rate.

Boswell School equalled its personal best after 68 per cent of students gained five A*-Cs.

Headteacher Paul Banks said: “The results that our students have achieved today are superb.

"Every student has worked incredibly hard and deserves their success, particularly in a national context where top GCSE grades are dropping overall.

“Our results this year equal the best the school has ever achieved."

Hylands School in Writtle consolidated its upward trend in results with five A*-Cs including English and maths at 54 per cent.

The city's grammar schools were also on top form, with Kegs and Chelmsford County for Girls revealing exceptional results.

Chelmsford County For Girls achieved 89 per cent grades A*- A , while Kegs reported more than 80 per cent for the same grades.

Hazel Bates, headteacher for Chelmsford County, said: "These results will stand as a firm foundation for successful study at A Level in our Sixth Form.

"Congratulations to the students and their teachers."

Tom Carter, headteacher for Kegs added: "This was made achievable by the hard work put in by staff and students and we are really happy."

This year saw a dramatic fall in national GCSE results.

It was the largest drop since the exam replaced O-levels, with the proportion of pupils who gained a C grade or above dropping by an unprecedented 2.1 per cent points.