YOUNGSTERS at Manningtree High School are celebrating further success after 23 Year Eight pupils sat their Citizenship GCSE.

The group followed a one year long extra-curricular programme which took place after school and during school holidays.

It saw 87 per cent of students achieve A to C grades.

Seven picked up As, 11 achieved Bs and two got Cs.

Carole Hughes, assistant headteacher, said: “These are outstanding results for students who were aged only 13 or 14 at the time of the exam and are a tribute to the incredible commitment and hard work of the students.

“We are absolutely delighted that they have done so well.”

Pupil Emily Hunter, who took the GCSE, said: “I have really enjoyed being part of the ‘Beyond the Curriculum’ Citizenship lessons.

“It’s been really interesting learning different things that I would never have learnt in normal lessons.

“I’m excited about doing a GCSE in Year 8; I never thought I would get an opportunity like this.”