Pupils at Ormiston Denes Academy in Lowestoft helped the academy to achieve its best ever results on a GCSE results day filled with delight.

Eastern Daily Press: Nabila Haque is heading to St Felix School after achieving a set of superb results. Picture: Thomas ChapmanNabila Haque is heading to St Felix School after achieving a set of superb results. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

53pc of pupils achieved grade four or above in both English and maths, a 20 percentage point rise on last year's figure of 33pc.

Early estimates also place Denes above the national average for its curriculum-wide accomplishments.

The performance marks a significant milestone since the school became an Ormiston Academy in 2013, and principal Ben Driver emphasised that this year's results are a well-deserved reward after four years of hard work.

'The school has been on a journey since it became an Ormiston Academy and these results are really the outcome of that journey,' said Mr Driver, who became principal in September 2016.

Eastern Daily Press: Harry Mayne, who achieved a level seven in both English Language and Literature, examines his GCSE results with his parents. Picture: Thomas ChapmanHarry Mayne, who achieved a level seven in both English Language and Literature, examines his GCSE results with his parents. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

'Our students have absolutely smashed it and, as pleasing as our best-ever results in English and maths are, the progress they've made in all subjects across the curriculum is a fantastic achievement.

'It's down to the hard work and relentless dedication of our students and the support they've received from our highly-skilled and committed staff, as well as from their parents and families.'

The academy was also celebrating a host of individual success stories, including that of 16-year-old Nabila Haque from Lowestoft who achieved A grades in all three sciences, as well as a seven in maths and English.

'I'm so pleased to see that everyone's efforts have paid off; this is all thanks to the hard work of everyone who works at the school,' said Nabila.

Eastern Daily Press: Students gathered at Ormiston Denes Academy to collect their GCSE results. Picture: Thomas ChapmanStudents gathered at Ormiston Denes Academy to collect their GCSE results. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

'Soon I'm going to be heading to St Felix School to study ancient history, economics, English literature and Latin.

'I've always been interested in politics and diplomacy, so hopefully sixth form will lead me towards my career goal of being a diplomat for the UN.'

Meanwhile Bethany Banks saw her progress skyrocket throughout the last year.

'At the beginning of the year I was working at a grade two in English language and I've ended up with a high grade four.

Eastern Daily Press: Georgia Horton after opening her GCSE results envelope. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic SolutionsGeorgia Horton after opening her GCSE results envelope. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic Solutions (Image: Steven Gardiner - Graphic Solutions)

'My concentration in school is not the best but I realised my exams were approaching and my teachers really supported me which made things easier.'

Eastern Daily Press: Amy Lockey (right) embraces a friend after receiving her results. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic SolutionsAmy Lockey (right) embraces a friend after receiving her results. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic Solutions (Image: Steven Gardiner - Graphic Solutions)

Eastern Daily Press: Nerice Flatt is going to Lowestoft Sixth Form to study performing arts, psychology and history. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic SolutionsNerice Flatt is going to Lowestoft Sixth Form to study performing arts, psychology and history. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic Solutions (Image: Steven Gardiner - Graphic Solutions)

Eastern Daily Press: Megan Cropley was delighted by her GCSE results. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic SolutionsMegan Cropley was delighted by her GCSE results. Picture: Steven Gardiner/Graphic Solutions (Image: Steven Gardiner - Graphic Solutions)