An Oaklands School pupil is celebrating picking up nine grade 9s -the highest possible - in her GCSEs.

Taklima Yesmin said she was “absolutely shocked” by how well she did in her exams.

She said: “I cannot believe I got these results!

“it’s not about being naturally smart, it’s all about putting in the hard work.

“I would never in a million years have thought I would get straight 9s. Hard work really does pay off!”

Headteacher at the Old Bethnal Green Road school, Patrice Canavan, called it a “truly phenomenal and exceptional result” and added: “Many congratulations to all our Year 11s whose huge success is a testament to the hard work of students and teachers alike.

“The number of grades this year is also truly wonderful.

“As headteacher, I am proud and humbled by the community at Oaklands for their determination, dedication and relentless pursuit of success.”