There were broad smiles and hearty congratulations all round as the Channing pupils received their GCSE results.

Ham & High: Channing School GCSE student Poppy Oliver on results day. Photo by Matthew PullChanning School GCSE student Poppy Oliver on results day. Photo by Matthew Pull (Image: Matthew Pull)

Against a national backdrop of change and uncertainty, Channing pupils “remained calm and focused, achieving outstanding results”.

83.7per cent of all GCSE results were graded A*/A or 9/8/7.

Barbara Elliott, headmistress said: “This is an excellent set of results and I warmly congratulate the pupils and their teachers for all the hard work they have put in to achieve these outcomes.

“Press reports have been telling us that the new GCSE exams, and the move away from coursework, would benefit male pupils. However these results are a powerful testament to our expertise in educating girls.

“A Channing education encompasses so much more than academic achievement, but it is very gratifying to see our GCSE candidates performing to the best of their abilities in this area, laying strong foundations for further success in the future. I look forward to welcoming the girls into the sixth form in September.”

Martha Sayer achieved six grade 9 and four A*s and her parents said: “We couldn’t be more grateful for all you have done for her and our sincere thanks for all you do for all the girls in their academic studies and crucially in their pastoral care.”

Afzaa Altaf has been at Channing since Year 7. She has achieved 9s and A*s across the board. Afzaa is staying at Channing for Sixth Form and plans to study maths, biology and chemistry at A-level.

“Actually, I’m really looking forward to my lessons,” she said. “I am also looking forward to the smaller class sizes and the independence that sixth formers at Channing enjoy. I have enjoyed getting to know my teachers well and sixth form will give me the chance to develop this.”

Afzaa’s mother added: “I would like to thank Mrs Elliott from the bottom of my heart. She is a godmother to them all.”

Poppy Oliver has achieved a string of 9s and A*s in her GCSEs.

“I am very happy to have got such a good grade for English literature,” she said. “I love the subject and will definitely be doing it for A-level. I am excited about progressing to the sixth form at Channing, being with my friends and studying the subjects I am passionate about.”

Kate Anderson has only been at Channing for two years. She came to Channing from Australia where the way of studying is very different and she had taken different subjects. She has done “very well” in her science GCSEs despite not having studied science formally in Australia.

Kate plans to study English, history and politics at A-level.

“Channing has been amazing,” she said. “They got me through my GCSEs. I felt I could ask for help at any time and appreciated the tutoring sessions and drop in sessions on offer.”

Kate’s parents wrote to say: “We sincerely thank you for all your support and faith in Kate to succeed.”