STUDENTS across Colchester celebrated collecting their GCSE results yesterday amidst huge upheaval caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Youngsters’ grades were calculated using teacher assessments after the uproar caused by a controversial algorithm designed by exams body Ofqual when A-Levels were released last week.

The change brought about record results for students across England, with the pass rate rising to 78.8 per cent this year.

Due to the upheaval caused by the pandemic and the Government’s exam fiasco most schools across Colchester decided not to release their results.

However, headteachers chose to use the opportunity to praise their students hard work in trying circumstances.

Colchester Academy principal Jenny Betts praised the “hard work and commitment” of this year’s cohort and singled out some top achievers for special praise.

Mustafa Ajel, Yi Lin He, Emily Johnson and Louise Newberry received 29 Grade 9s and 9 Grade 8s between them.

Ms Betts said: “Along with their positive outcomes they have developed resilience, persistence and humility, which will more than provide them with a strong foundation on which to build a successful life in Post-16 and beyond.Well done Year 11.”

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Fiona Pierson, headteacher of St Helena School in Colchester, said she was “incredibly proud” of her students.

“There has been a huge amount of uncertainty for these young people since March and I hope that they can finally take time to relax and celebrate,” she added.

“My team and I at St Helena wish our Year 11 students the very best of luck in the future”

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St Benedict’s Catholic College also decided against releasing the school’s results.

Principal Jo Santinelli said: “Despite not having had the chance to prove what they can achieve in a formal exam, we are so proud of the Class of 2020 who worked incredibly hard throughout year 11 and took full advantage of all the supportive measures we put in place.

“After much speculation, debate and anxiety, our students can now celebrate their results and look towards taking their next steps into further education.

“We wish each and every one of them the very best.”