IT WAS GCSE D-Day at Churchill Academy this morning as Year 11 students made their way to the school to pick up their results.

Smiles, sighs and squeals were heard ringing through the room after envelopes were placed in nervous hands.

Several students received mainly all A* or A grades and are relishing moving on to study for their A-levels and other qualifications.

Headteacher Dr Barry Wratten said that he was very pleased with what the students had achieved.

He said: “Many of our students have excelled and I am delighted that these great youngsters have been so successful.

“They can now move forward to their future studies knowing they have shone so brilliantly.”

Overall, 73% of students achieved the all-important threshold of five or more A* to C grades.

For a full round-up of the area’s GCSE results, pick up a copy of next week’s Mercury.