There was a collective sigh of relief as students collected their GCSE results.

Year 11 pupils at The Compton School in Summers Lane, North Finchley, were delighted with their results. They achieved a 75 per cent pass rate for five GCSEs at A*-C, including English and maths.

The pass rate for English was 85 per cent, and 50 students managed to achieve five A*s or more.

Headteacher Teresa Tunnadine said: “We are thrilled with the results. We had massive success in English, considering the national dip. The students have done very well.

“This year group has made more progress than any other year group so far. They are now set up to have a very successful future ahead of them. I couldn’t be happier today.”

There were shocked faces inside the hall, as many students achieved higher grades than they expected.

Elena Bozova, 16, achieved nine A*s and three As. “I am very, very happy. I didn’t expect to do this well. I underestimated what I would get, and I was really surprised when I opened the envelope.”

As the school doesn’t currently have a sixth form, many of the teenagers are busy preparing for further education elsewhere.

Jessal Visavadia, 16, achieved five A*s and six As. He said: “I feel really good, it’s a big relief. During the lead up I wasn’t that nervous, but as soon as I was driving here I was.”

Jessal is planning on going to Woodhouse College, where he will study A-levels in chemistry, biology, maths and economics.

Sasha Reechaye, 16, achieved ten A*s and one A. She said: “I just feel overwhelmed. I cannot believe I have done so well. I didn’t expect these results. I was very nervous.

“We didn’t get study leave, but it helped because we had the support of our teachers until the end.”

Sasha is going to sixth form at Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar, to study A-levels in maths, biology, English literature and psychology.

Pupils also praised the support they received at the school.

Chakorn Shipp, 16, achieved four A*s and five As. “I am really pleased. I really wasn’t sure about how I had done. I have done well in the past but I had no idea.

“The support at the school was fantastic, everyone was really helpful.”

Chakorn is off to Woodhouse College, to study A-levels in biology, chemistry, physics and geography.

Associate headteacher Ann Marie Mulkerins said: “We are delighted with the results. We are above our targets.

“What we are happy with is the results for the core subjects. Our English results are very, very strong and we have exceeded the national average.”