The headteacher of The Urswick School has called for a “level playing field” between state and independent schools on GCSE results day.

Despite championing the efforts of his students, Richard Brown criticised the government’s decision to allow students at independent schools to take iGCSE, a qualification that is not open to state school children.

He said: “I have no difficulty with the exam system becoming more demanding as long as we remember that comparisons with past results are pretty much invalid.

“However, it seems to me entirely wrong that 16 year olds who go to independent schools are often being allowed to avoid the new, more difficult, exams, by taking something called the iGCSE.

“I am proud of all our students, some of whom come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have special educational needs. What I want for our children is a level playing field. That is why everyone at Urswick works so hard on their behalf.

“These are completely new GCSEs, with much more difficult content and the new 9-1 grading system. Our students worked hard and showed a great deal of resilience when taking anything up to 30 hours of different exam papers. I am delighted with their successes and also congratulate our staff on the skilled way they have delivered the new exam syllabuses.”

In the main there were “screams of excitement” at Urswick as students collected their GCSE results, with 64per cent of pupils achieving five or more grades 9 - 4 (A* to C).

Among the highest performing students were Anh Vu, 16, who achieved 9s in combined science, maths and history. Grade 9s are awarded to students in the top 3pc of the country.

Anh, who was surprised by her outstanding grades, said: “I am so happy with my results, thank you so much to all my teachers.” She plans to take A-levels in history and English and is still deciding which other subjects to study.

Ilke Delice , 16, achieved eight GCSEs, including 9s in combined science, English language, maths and geography. She said: “I’m relieved that my hard work has paid off and I’m so thankful for to the teachers here at The Urswick that have helped me achieve my wonderful results.”

Mikolaj Cios, 16, who will be staying on at The Urswick School Sixth Form Academy achieved 9s in combined science. He said “Thank you to the teachers for taking the time with me during and after school without them I couldn’t have done it, I am so happy.”

Chloe Chilvers, former headgirl cried tears of joy when receiving her Maths result. “I am so happy I passed, I just can’t believe it”