THERE were stars aplenty at Tendring Technology College earlier today.

Not just in the talented students, but also in the A grades they achieved at GCSE.

Principal Michael Muldoon paid tribute to his students, adding they would have done better were it not for a raising of the ‘grade boundaries.’

In a statement, Mr Muldoon singled out Zac Slater and Violet Gribbin for both achieving eight A* grades, which he called “a stunning achievement”.

He added: “Just like so many of our Olympic stars have done, it is important to acknowledge the work and commitment of those who work ‘behind the scenes’.

"The teachers and support staff who have such a significant impact, inspiring and supporting our students every step of the way."

Mr Muldoon said the school’s Progress 8 score, which measures how students have improved, would have been even better had the school not entered 51 of its best students for exams in Year 9.

He said: “Whilst they have achieved fantastic results with 92 per cent achieving A* to C grades, entering them early had a negative impact on the new Progress 8 Score.

"Yet, we believe the stretch and the challenge this qualification provides at the end of KS3 (three year’s schooling) is more important than simple accountability measures."

The principal also lamented higher thresholds for certain grades, which affected many would might have gained a C.

He added: “A significant number of our middle and lower ability students who deserved to achieve this grade, will now be frustrated their hard work hasn’t been rewarded."

Zak Slater, who achieved eight A* grades and two A's, said he was “pretty happy” with his results, which he said were better than expected.

He said: “I worked really hard. My social life died for a bit."

The 16-year-old, from Kirby-Le-Soken, plans to stay on and do A-levels and eventually study science at university before venturing into the science industry. 

Violet Gribbin, who achieved eight A* grades, also did better than expected and wants to study science at college and university.

“I want to be a forensic scientist,” added the 16-year-old, from Frinton.

Jade Harris, 16, from Walton, achieved six A* grades and four A's.

She said: “I’m really pleased. I’m so happy. This is better than expected."

She plans to do A-levels, then go to university and eventually become a teacher.

Emilia Kent achieved six A* grades, three A's and one B.

The 16-year-old, from Kirby-Le-Soken, plans to stay on for A-Levels, possibly study English and history at university, and later become a journalist.