The figures buck the national trend, exceeding the latest reported national averages for resits of 30 per cent for English and 27 per cent for maths.

Head of Area for English and Maths Hilary Johns said: “This is a huge achievement for all our students who have succeeded in their goals despite having to learn in a lockdown environment.

“We would like to congratulate all the students who have worked so hard for this and our staff are over the moon that we have such good news to share.”

School leavers who have not managed to achieve at least a grade 4 in GCSE English or maths can go on to further study but are required to resit the qualifications.

The majority need these GCSEs to progress onto university or higher apprenticeships.

Faye Monk passed her GCSE maths improving by two grades and can now progress onto her BAE Systems welding apprenticeship as a result.

“It was really good to pass my exam and it was a relief to get it out the way as it is a qualification that is needed,” she said. “My tutor Lynne was very helpful and lovely and I don’t think I could have passed without her.”

Sixthformer Cavan Merchant rocketed from a grade 3 to a grade 7 in his English Language at the Rating Lane campus and took a step closer to his dream career in IT programming.

“I would have been pleased to just pass but to get this grade is amazing,” he said. “I am grateful to my tutors for giving me the extra push I needed.”

Hair and Beauty student Natalie Cooke, who studies at Channelside, said she was glad to get her all-important grade 4 in English after several attempts.

“I am looking for a job in hairdressing and my grade will now help me to do that. I’m really glad that I’ve been able to pass and I’d like to thank my English support tutor without who I wouldn’t have been able to achieve this and also to my hairdressing tutor Amanda who has supported me all the way.”

Sixthformer Joss Perie was happy with a grade 4 in English but is determined to keep on improving and thanked all his tutors for never giving up on him.

Other notable achievers were Chaiyut Buaban, Darcy Robinson, Autumn Adams and Luke Forrest.

Deputy Head of Sixth Form Helen Rastelli said: “Often the GCSE pass in these subjects is the key to unlocking the door for higher education and even very capable students sometimes struggle with one subject or the other.

“It’s a delight to see them do so well. At Rating Lane more than three quarters of those who resat maths passed and two thirds of those sitting English, which is a tribute to them and the hard work of the teachers.”