The wait was finally over today for hundreds of Havering students who had been anxiously awaiting their exam results.
School and college pupils had an early start after waiting in anticipation for their A-level, T-level and BTEC results.
More than 800 pupils took their A levels exams in schools and sixth forms across the borough.
At Frances Bardsley Academy in Romford, more than 100 pupils took their A-levels, and a further 10 took BTECs.
Pupil Alisha who achieved A in art and sociology and a B in psychology, said her results were better than she had expected as she had struggled with her exams.
“My results were much better than I expected. I didn’t expect to do this well as my GCSE results were terrible,” she said.
However, an ecstatic Alisha is now planning to study architecture at the University of Arts, London.
Pupil Olivia gained B in Chemistry and Cs in Maths and Sociology. She is now set to take up a place at her chosen university - University of Surrey – to study Chemistry.
Meanwhile Martha achieved two A* and two A’s in English Literature and Extended Project Qualification and History and Religious Studies respectively.
Joint headteacher David Turrell said: “We are not just proud of the students who get the highest grades. We are proud of everyone. The students have worked really hard in difficult conditions and we are proud of their achievements.”
Councillor Oscar Ford, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, visited the school to find out how pupils got on and to hear their plans for the future.
He said: “Congratulations to students across the borough who have received their exam results today.
“It’s been an exciting, if nerve-racking day, for many pupils and it’s been a pleasure to hear about their plans and ambitions for the future. I wish them all well.”
Councillor Ford added that for pupils who hadn’t achieved the results they were looking for, help was available from their school’s student services and online through the Good Thinking website.
Elsewhere, pupils at New City College, which has campuses in Ardleigh Green, Rainham and Hornchurch, were also celebrating.
Annie May, from Havering Sixth Form, achieved 2 A* grades in Law and Politics and an A in English Language and Literature. She will be studying Law with International Business at the University of Law and will be starting an internship at an international law firm.
She said: “Havering Sixth Form has been incredible. The teachers have guided me through every single day on the path to achieving my dream of becoming a barrister.
“At the start of college I would never have thought that I would be able to get A*A*A. The world is my oyster now thanks to New City College and I am so delighted.”