It was all smiles at Reepham High School this morning as students collected their GCSE results.

Students are now planning for the next steps of their lives as they found out their final grades alongside friends and teachers.

Like last week’s A-level results, the return to pre-pandemic grading has seen this year’s national GCSE results come in lower than last year, instead of being similar to grades in 2019.

North Norfolk News: Reepham High School student Vitalina Klen, from Ukraine, moved to Norfolk last spring, she was celebrating her GCSE results Reepham High School student Vitalina Klen, from Ukraine, moved to Norfolk last spring, she was celebrating her GCSE results (Image: Aaron McMillan)

One of the successful stories was from Vitalina Klen, a student from Ukraine who moved to Norfolk last spring.

The 16-year-old from Kyiv passed all her subjects, including an 8 in maths, a 6 in English literature and a passing mark in English language.

“I’m still shaking, it feels like such a relief to have these marks, I am so surprised as I was not expecting it to be this good,” she said.

“I undertook a lot of revision, all the evenings and the mornings before exams.”

She will now go to Reepham College to study for her A-levels.

North Norfolk News: Reepham High School student Ruby Dowe on GCSE results dayReepham High School student Ruby Dowe on GCSE results day (Image: Aaron McMillan)

There was also delight for Ruby Dowe.

The 16-year-old from Bintree got 5s across the board, meaning she will be starting just next door to the high school in September, as she joins the college to take on her A-levels.

“I am really happy about my results,” she said.

“I got everything I needed to get onto my chosen subjects, so I am really pleased.”

North Norfolk News: Reepham High School student Mia Starling on GCSE results dayReepham High School student Mia Starling on GCSE results day (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Joining her in sixth form is her friend, Mia Starling.

She achieved 4s, 5s and 6s across all her subjects, with her top marks coming in both English literature and language.

“I am so happy, it feels like this weight has been lifted off my shoulders, I am so relieved,” she said.

“I did a lot of revision and worked so hard as I really wanted to do my A-levels. I did a lot of work and spent hours in my room studying, and I earned these grades through my hard work.”

North Norfolk News: Tim Gibbs, headteacher at Reepham High SchoolTim Gibbs, headteacher at Reepham High School (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Tim Gibbs, headteacher at Reepham High School, said: “Well done to all our students on their results and thank you to all the parents and carers for the support they have provided. Also thank you to all my colleagues for their hard work and dedication 

"This cohort has faced numerous challenges over their time in secondary education, they have come through with flying colours. We wish them all every success with their future, wherever that takes them.”

North Norfolk News: Reepham High School student Patience Bobbin on GCSE results dayReepham High School student Patience Bobbin on GCSE results day (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Another student feeling relieved is Patience Bobbin, from Hethersett, who passed all her subjects, including an 8 in history.

“I am so happy, but it does feel like I need to sleep for like a month now after everything,” she said.

She will also be attending Reepham College in September.

North Norfolk News: Reepham High School student Gaia Dreisin-Moss on GCSE results dayReepham High School student Gaia Dreisin-Moss on GCSE results day (Image: Aaron McMillan)

Another student coming back to Reepham in September is Gaia Dreisin-Moss, she passed with grades between 9 to 7 - including six 8s.

“It is so good, I did a lot of work, with posters and notes all over my wall, so, to see it all pay off and get into college is fantastic,” she said.