Staff and students at Chigwell School celebrated their best-ever A-level results with 62 per cent of all grades awarded at A or A*.

The school in High Road, Chigwell, saw 86 per cent of grades at B or above.

Their A* or A rate was higher than the national average of 26.6 per cent.

Head teacher Michael Punt said: “These results reflect the hard work put in by students and their teachers over a long period of time.

“They should feel very proud of their outstanding results which have enabled many to go on to competitive university courses including eight to read medicine, veterinary Science or dentistry.

“This year group have been a delight to work with and have contributed a great deal to the life of the school.

“We will miss them.”

Of the year group of 85 students, 34 achieved at least three A* or A grades and 16 achieved four or more.

A number of pupils gained places on management courses in the City.