The wait was finally over last Thursday for thousands of Jewish students, who woke up bright and early to receive their GCSE results.

JFS in Kenton celebrated "excellent results", with 50 per cent graded A* or A. A third of all students gained an A* or A in at least seven subjects.

More than 50 per cent of students achieved the government's EBacc measure, which allows people to compare how many pupils get a grade C or above in the core academic subjects at government-funded schools. This result was more than double the national average in 2014.

Special mention went to Jacob Arbeid and Raphael Korber-Hoffman, who each attained 12 A*s; Vitale Stone, who scored 11 A*s and one A; and Adam Lang, who won 10 A*s and two As.

"We are very proud of all our students who truly deserve the excellent grades they have achieved in this summer's exams," said JFS headteacher Jonathan Miller. "This reflects a serious amount of dedication, hard work and determination by them, their parents and their teachers. I salute them all for their achievement."

Deputy head Simon Appleman added that there had been a "pleasant atmosphere" in the school on Thursday among Year 11 students and their families. The year group hit the headlines in May after their muck-up day celebrations got "out of control" and school property was vandalised.

"I think the dust has settled since then," said Mr Appleman. "It is history, and we look forward to welcoming Year 12 back to school in September."

In pictures: GCSE results day 2015

At JCoSS in Hertfordshire, 41 per cent of all marks were As or A*s, while one quarter of the year group achieved nine As or more. Eighty-six per cent of all grades fell between A* and C.

Headteacher Patrick Moriarty said he was "delighted" with the results, which marked the first set of GCSE scores the school has received since it was founded in 2010.

"It is an emotional day for all," he said. "As a young school, we know that the eyes of the community are on us, but our pupils and staff have worked so hard and we are very happy.

"These pupils' parents took a punt on us before we even had a building, so we are delighted for them."

Mr Moriarty added: "We have been privileged to watch this special set of students grow into fine young people, and we are delighted that so much hard work and dedication from students and staff alike has resulted in a magnificent first set of GCSE results. History has certainly been made."

Yavneh College in Borehamwood also welcomed "outstanding" marks. While 85 per cent of its students achieved at least five grades between A* and C, including English and maths, 41 per cent achieved at least five A*s or As.

Sophie Kennedy was applauded for attaining 10 A*s and one A, while Georgia Kennedy achieved 10 A*s.

"I am so delighted for the pupils and their teachers," said headteacher Spencer Lewis. "These grades are down to a lot of hard work and there is so much to be really proud of again this year.

"Our GCSE results, together with last week's incredible A Level results, go a long way in showing why Yavneh College is such an outstanding school."

In Liverpool, King David High saw 89 per cent of its students achieve grades A* to C in maths and 88 per cent achieve grades A* to C in English. Eighty-eight per cent of pupils achieved five GCSEs graded A* to C.

"This reflects the hard work of staff and students, so well done to all," said headteacher Brigid Smith.

King David High School in Manchester also reported another year of great success, ranking in the top 10 of the UK's best performing comprehensive schools for its GCSE marks. More than 90 per cent passed at least five GCSEs with grades A* to C, including maths and English, while 50 per cent of all grades were A* or A.

Among its high-achievers were Maxim Mallerman, Rachel Valins and Galia Shomrom, who each scored 12 A*s.

Chairman of governors Joshua Rowe said: "This is a tribute to the application of the pupils and to the dedication of the teachers and support staff."

Manchester Mesivta School said it was "thrilled" with its students' performance in their GCSEs, which are taken a year early at the age of 15. The school devotes five mornings per week to Kodesh studies.

Ninety-two per cent achieved at least five A* to C grades, while 72 per cent of results were A*, A or B.

Rabbi Binyomin Sulzbacher, principal of the school, said he was "extremely pleased with the school's achievements".

In Redbridge, King Solomon High School was "pleased to announce an eight per cent increase in the number of students achieving at least five A* to C grades".

Sixty per cent received at least five A* to C grades in subjects including English and maths, while 27 per cent of all grades were A* or A. Praise went to Daniel Lewis-Green, who scored 10 A*s and two As, and Megan Ward, who received eight A*s and three As.

Meanwhile, Immanuel College in Bushey said that "this year's GCSE results have brought record success for our children".

One third of all grades were A*, while 84 per cent were A*, A or B. More than 25 per cent achieved at least five A*s.

Headteacher Charles Dormer said: "Many other children achieved other grades which were hugely valuable in the context of their own lives and expectations, and meant the world to them and us.

"Congratulations and mazel tov to our students."

Finally, Hasmonean High in Hendon reported its highest ever percentage of A*s and As. Fifty-nine per cent of all marks were A* or A, while 81 per cent of students achieved at least five A* to C grades in subjects including English and maths.

Executive headteacher Andrew McClusky said that "once again, Hasmonean has a great deal to celebrate. Congratulations to all of our students who achieved their target grades and to the staff who worked so hard to enable them to do so."

He added: "It is wonderful to see our brightest students achieving exceptional results and also to see those who find academic work more challenging achieving great results too."