Ref. 71930-30 All smiles . . . Emma King, Laura Spink, Daniel Forder and Matt HardyGCSE RESULTS: LAURA Spink earned herself more than £500 through her GCSE success.

The Greendown School pupil had been promised £150 for each A*, £100 for each A, £50 for each B and £10 for every C.

The 16-year-old achieved an A*, an A, five Bs and three Cs which meant £520 reward from her parents.

Laura said: "I was extremely anxious before receiving my results but I didn't do too badly.

"I am going to celebrate by shopping."

But many of her fellow classmates were simply happy with the reward of having outstanding results.

Daniel Wells, 16, of Freshbrook, achieved 9 A*s and two As and will be going on to do A-levels in English language, Spanish, communication studies and 20th century American history at New College.

"I went home and told my parents the results.

"My mum was crying and my dad was smiling more than me."

He wants to become a pilot in the RAF.

Daniel revised with a group of friends, including Danielle Gray, 16, of Shaw, who achieved nine A*s and one A.

She said: "I was kind of shocked when I saw my results. I didn't think I would do so well."

Daniel Nicholls, 16, of Westlea, received 13 GCSEs over the course of the last two years. In total he got eight As, three Bs and two Cs.

At New College he plans to study A levels in photography, history, English and Spanish.

Headteacher Steve O'Sullivan said: "We have had some exceptional results and that's thanks to the hard work of pupils and staff and support of parents."

And Mr O'Sullivan dismissed claims that exams were getting easier. "Today has been all about celebrating the achievements of the students," he said.

"I think it is really sad for the pupils when people who are not involved in education make claims that standards are declining.

"It detracts from the hard work of the pupils and staff."