There was a room full of happy people when students collected their GCSE results at Truro High School yesterday.

With 52 per cent of all grades at A* or A, and 76 per cent A* to B, there was plenty of cause for celebration as the girls opened their envelopes – many of them watched nervously by family members.

Jemima Davison’s mum, Julia Waterton-Gullick, summed up a lot of feelings when she tearfully hugged her daughter after discovering she had achieved 11A*s.

“I’m so relieved, so pleased and so very proud,” she said. “We’ll definitely be celebrating this evening.”

Jemima, from St Merryn, was equally happy.

“It’s absolutely fantastic,” she said. “I never dreamt I’d get results like these.”

Jennifer Handley, from Carnon Downs, was with her older sister Josie and mum Judith Handley, when she found out she’d got 4 A*s, 6As and a B.

“She’s done brilliantly,’ said her mother. “I had every confidence in her but it’s still a huge relief.”

This year’s star performers included Lowenna Ovens, from Frogpool, who got 12 A*s, Mia Parnall, from Penponds, and Emily Westlake, from Truro, who, like Jemima, both got 11 A*s. Amy Purohit, from Zelah, Freya Martin, from Mount Hawke and Anna Gowenlock, from Cusgarne got 10A*s and 1A. Zahra Dalal and Lydia Pearse, both from Truro, got 9A*s and 2As. Anna Howe, from Lostwithiel, got 7A*s and 3As and Niamh Durkin, from Stithians, got 6A*s and 5As.

There was also an A grade in astronomy for year nine pupil Lowenna Penny, from Portscatho, who has been studying the subject with school staff during lunchtimes and evenings and who came to open her envelope with her dad Tim.

“I’ve been reading books about the subject since I was very young,” she said. “When we had a school trip to the Roseland Observatory I became even more interested.”

New Headmaster Dr Glenn Moodie, who officially starts in his new role on September 1, was on hand with Truro High staff as the pupils came in.

“Waiting for results is very tense – not just for the pupils but for their families as well,” he said. “There is nothing quite like the feeling that comes with knowing you have worked hard and achieved grades you’re pleased with.

“The relief and joy today were tangible and I wish everyone continuing success as they move forward to the sixth form.”