BOSSES at Clacton Coastal Academy are "delighted" after students picked up improved A level grades.

The school says pupils' grades were on average half a grade higher than last year.

Bosses praised their students' dedication over the last year, with almost two thirds achieving an A*-B grade or the equivalent.

Sixty teenagers have won places at university.

Headteacher Stephanie Neill said: “I am delighted with these results. Students chose Key Stage 5 courses where they could be successful and have been rewarded with their choice of university places.

"Teaching staff have carefully tracked their progress leading to expected results on results day. I am delighted to see so many students who have been part of the Clacton Coastal Academy way for their whole secondary school time, now ready for the next stage of their education and employment journey.”

Top performers include Yarik Chervonyy with A grades in Russian and financial studies, and B grades in history and government and politics.

He plans to study business economics at Liverpool University.

Mrs Neill said: "This young man is a real success story. His A level grades and university place are his reward for this outstanding effort."

Rosie Elliott’s A grades in art and photography, along with C grades in English language and creative writing, will see her study fine art at University College Suffolk. She will be joined by Cara Follon studying English having achieved strong grades in history and English.

Alice Nevard's A grades in psychology and sociology won her a place at Sussex University. Elise Ellis’s distinction* grades mean she can study psychology at Loughborough and Chloe Simper's excellent results in biology, chemistry and maths have given her the opportunity to study medicine.

Charlie-Jay Williams got a triple distinction* in information technology to study computer science at Lincoln University.

Jack Haylett will go on to do film studies at Essex University, Leoni Kluth is studying law at Kingston University, Jordan Reeve is doing accounting at University College Suffolk, Chris Simson is studying sport and exercise science at University College Suffolk and Hollie Till will read politics at Essex University.