Thurrock Council Leader John Kent was at Grays schools today to congratulate GCSE pupils.

The education portfolio holder visited Grays Convent Girls School and William Edwards School, joining with Convent head teacher Penny Johnson in celebrating the school’s best ever results.

At Grays Convent School, Mr Kent said: “Results day is always a high-stress day for the young people, their families and their teachers, but it was excellent news at the convent.

“The school really excelled across English, maths and science and all of its English Literature students achieved A* to C grades.”

He added: “There were some great individual successes at both schools and William Edwards saw an increase in the number of English A* to C successes.”

A cloud on an otherwise day was a national issue with anomalies between examination board results.

Several Thurrock schools are starting to plan a series of appeals.

Mr Kent said: “It is a real shame these anomalies will undoubtedly overshadow the hundreds of individual success stories our students have to tell.

“It is sad that all the hard work and effort put in by the young people and those who help and support them can be ruined by the vagaries of the examination system – a method where changes to marking procedures can be made in the middle of the academic year affecting predicted grades.

“I am backing the council’s education team in supporting all the schools in their efforts to appeal the disappointing outcomes so that in six months’ time – when the final results are published – we will see how well Thurrock students actually did.

“This week’s results are very much provisional and I am sure that when the verified results are published we will see the true and very positive story.”

At Hassenbrook, Michael Doyin-Salau, Reagan Ellmore and Melody Hammond all achieved ten GCSE passes with the majority being A* and A grades, while Nicola Graham, head teacher at th Harris Academy said: “There has been a substantial increase in the percentage of students achieving the Educational Baccalaureate (EBacc), up from 25 per cent last year to 34 pr cent this year.”

For those young people who had results that were not as expected, Thurrock Council’s careers team offers impartial information, advice, and guidance through a personal adviser in school - further help can be sought through The Inspire Youth Hub, 24-28 Orsett Road Grays, call 01375 413735.