ALMOST 30 top A* grades were awarded to GCSE students at Clacton Coastal Academy - a 15 per cent rise on last year.

Phuong Bui achieved six A* and five A grades as well an A in AS French.

Luke Harrison, Thomas Lawrence, Shannon McCrossan, Lucien Rousselle all achieved 7 A* and A grades, while Sky Mayer and Jack Barrett achieved 6 A* and A grades.

This year's result also measure the progress each student makes instead of just grades.

Students making the top levels of progress included Reece Watkins, Thomas Elliott and head boy Luke Bimson, who were two grades higher in every subject than is achieved nationally.

Luke and Thomas achieved 5 A*-C, including English and maths with Luke achieving an A in electronics and B in catering. Reece Watkins, who has special needs, made excellent progress including an A* in maths and A in additional science.

Dellan Taylor, who also has special needs, made five levels of progress to achieve a C in maths.

One of the big success stories was Charlie Vickers, who was rushed to hospital with an illness last year but bounced back to battle his way through his studies, despite having severe Tourette's syndrome.

He was unable to go to classes for most of the year but received support from the school and received three A grades, six Bs and a C.

Charlie said “I am extremely happy with my results. It has been a difficult and challenging time for me.

"Losing my grandad made this worse and as a consequence I suffered from anxiety and stress too.

"However, the support I have received from school has helped me a great deal. I have been given freedom and flexibility with my timetable and I have been determined to study very hard which has led to good GCSE results."

He added: "My advice to other students is to revise, study and work hard, try not to stress over exams and seek help and support if and when you need it.”

The school's new design, engineer, construct qualification saw four A*s and 12 A grades awarded. Many of these students will now go on to work placements with architects, surveyors and project management offices.