THEY are the tougher GCSEs designed to bridge the gap to A-levels.

Pupils and teachers have battled their way through harder subjects, with no coursework and some two-hour long exams.

But despite the rigour, some schools across Hampshire are reporting “best ever” results.

And individual pupils have stood out for their dedication.

Tonya Watson from St Anne’s received eight grade 9s and an A^ in further maths – and in the last two months the diving champ has competed in the Junior Euro Championships in Finland, the Junior World Championships in the Ukraine and the Senior Euro Championships in Scotland. Her aim is to represent her country in an upcoming Olympic games.

Jacob Curtis from Hounsdown School wowed his teachers with nine grade 9s.

Danika George from St George Catholic College bagged herself ten grade 9s. Also from St George Joe Scully (right) was diagnosed with leukaemia in the summer of year seven but still got all 7s and 8s.

He said: “I was in and out of school having treatment for many years and I wasn’t back at St George’s as a full-time student for quite a while so I’m so pleased with my results.

“I’m planning on studying biology and maths at Peter Symonds.”

St George bagged its “best ever” results in its first mixed year group – with 78% getting the “standard pass” of 4-9 including English and maths, and 61% getting a “strong pass” of 5-9.

Pupils at Ballard in New Milton have received “standout” GSCE results for the sixth consecutive year. A total of 62 pupils out of 63 received 9-4 in five or more subjects beating a previous best of 93%.

The Hamble School reported “phenomenal” grades. Deputy head Teresa Westcott-Hayes said the “huge increase” from last year has meant results “have soared to an all-time high.”

Regents Park had a “successful” results day with a 6% increase from last year in students achieving grades 9 to five in English and maths.

Head Samantha Barnes said: “This is positive progress for Regents Park for the fourth consecutive year.”

Elwra Kilichawskwa got five grade nines and said: “I’m so shocked, I can’t stop crying, I did not expect this.”

Students at the New Forest Academy are also celebrating.

Principal Karen Godsall said: “Student progress has improved across the board in all subjects, with especially strong performance in English (77%), separate sciences (100%), BTEC sport (100%), and 60% of all students secured good progress in maths.

Girls at St Swithun’s in Winchester set a serious example, with 29.5% awarded the top grade 9 and 87% grade 7 or above in maths, with 36% of these grade 9.

Overall Southampton results were “broadly in line” with last year according to statistics.

Education chief Councillor Darren Paffey said: “In light of the more challenging examinations, I’m delighted that both pupils and schools have really stepped up.”

Hampshire schools chief Cllr Stephen Reid added: “Hampshire’s pupils, their families, and schools can be very proud of the results for 2018, setting this year’s group of 16-year-olds in good stead for vocational training or further study at A-level.

“It is pleasing that good improvements have been made by schools such as Hamble and Arnewood. These schools have made significant advances in performance.”

St Anne's 71%

Romsey School 70%

St George Catholic College English 85%, maths 82%

Upper Shirley High 73 %

The Burgate School 80%

Bitterne Park 68%

Arnewood 68%

Cantell 60%

Oasis Lord's Hill 48%

Noadswood English 66.5%, maths 76.1%

King Edward VI 100%

St Mary's 82%

The Hamble School 77%

Toynbee 74%

Oasis Mayfield 43%

Ringwood School 76%

St Mary's Independent School 82%