An Enfield school is celebrating its best ever GCSE results.

Teenagers across the country this morning (August 25) opened their marks after months of waiting, with students at Winchmore School queueing up from 9am to find out their fate.

The school has seen 74 per cent of pupils gain A* to C grades in English and Maths, their highest ever rate and a three per cent rise on last year.

Eleni Costara is preparing for sixth form after getting three A*s, five As and two Bs.

The 16-year-old collected her results with her mum Anna, who said she was “ecstatic” for her daughter.

Eleni said: “The grades are much better than I expected. This morning I was pacing the kitchen, very nervous, it’s been a long wait. I’m shocked, but proud.”

Guray Mehmet got five A*s, four As and a B, which he said was a “big surprise for me”.

He said: “I was expecting to pass, but with three or maybe four As. I felt sick with uncertainty.

“This is the reward for five years of work. I’m very relieved, the pressure is off.”

Guray, who wants to study medicine at university, put his success down to his extra-curricular musical interests – he was able to relax by playing guitar and drums.

His mother Fatima, who saw her son open his scores, said: “We are overwhelmed, this is a result of hard work and dedication.

“He is so self-motivated, and able to balance his recreation and studying.”

Jim Owen, head teacher at Winchmore, said they had encouraged children to enjoy their time at school with more artistic opportunities and less homework, and felt the results vindicate his methods.

He said: “This is fantastic, I am so happy for the children, staff and families – it is a team effort.

“We have a commitment to a broader curriculum, to arts, sport and travel. You only get one childhood, it should be enjoyable, not a slog.

“Pure academia does not open that many doors, that’s why we give the students so many opportunities to perform.

“For those who have less success, we will look at getting them on the right courses, give them an honest appraisal.

“Not all students are ready for A-levels at 16, but if they are brave, we give them three years, a Year 14, and many students go through that to the best universities.

“It is not about league tables, it is about the young people.”