Clapton Girls’ Academy (CGA) is in the top 10 for progress in English and maths after an emotional GCSE results day in Hackney.

The school says 78per cent of students achieved grade 4 or above in English and maths, putting CGA comfortably in the top 10pc of schools nationally for progress.

Students at the academy outperformed their peers nationally with 90pc of students achieving grade 4 or above in English language (28pc above the national average) and 80pc of students achieving grade 4 or above in maths (14pc above the national average). An astonishing 35pc of all grades were 9-7 or equivalent (again significantly above the national average of 15pc).

The new GCSE grade 9 is only awarded to the top 3pc of students nationally and is used to recognise ‘exceptional performance’. Despite widespread concern that students achieving top grades would fall dramatically, 7pc of all grades in English and maths at CGA were a grade 9 (exceeding the national average by 4pc). Overall students amassed 98 grade 9s.

• 16 subjects achieved ‘red hot ALPS’ status, meaning they are in the top 25pc nationally.

• 18 subjects achieved 9-4/A*-C, well above the national girls’ average

• 14 subjects did better than the national girls’ average in 9-7/A*-A

Miwa Tatsuhara, the academy’s highest performer, achieved five grade 9s and five grade 8s, as well as an A*. She said: “In all my years at Clapton this is my proudest moment - getting these grades. Clapton’s supportive and comfortable environment gave me the push to work hard and be so successful.”

Tanya Ahmed also gained six grade 9s and four grade 8s. She said: “Clapton really helped me progress as I was so shocked to see a grade 9 in French when I was predicted a 6. I’m so proud of that! I can’t wait to join the sixth form.”

Another very happy student was Amber Charlton with three grade 9s and 7 grade 8s. She said: “I wasn’t expecting these results. I was hoping they would be good but these have definitely surpassed my expectations! I love being a Clapton girl – there’s such a community spirit here.”

Head of Year 11, Daniel Robinson, said: “I’m so proud of all the students and their sustained focus over the GCSE period.”

Headteacher, Anna Feltham, said: “I am delighted with today’s GCSE results. This year’s incredible progress is a result of the girls’ exceptional work ethic and the unfailing commitment of our amazing staff. Our students and staff have shown great resilience when rising to the challenges of the new more rigorous GCSE examinations. I look forward to seeing more outstanding results from this cohort as they move into our thriving sixth form!”.

Ian Slaymaker, CGA governor and proud parent said: “The school has been absolutely amazing for Georgina. I’ve seen her grow and develop with the fantastic opportunities that she has been given here. She’s done extremely well, as have all the girls today. I’m over the moon and very proud of her. I can’t say enough about the school – it is outstanding!”