TEENAGERS tore open their GCSE grades today to find spectacular results, at Norlington School in Leytonstone, London.

Budding scientists, lawyers and engineers took their first giant leap towards successful careers with top grades in maths, science, graphics and languages.

A huge one in four students at the boys' school in Norlington Road achieved three or more A and A* grades, despite the national grade average dropping for the first time in five years around the rest of the UK.

New grading systems are being phased in as of 2017, with some results being phased in a new, numerical system, while grade boundaries shift.

Yet pupils at Norlington were overjoyed with their marks.

Riza Hussain, 16, was ecstatic to see his results today, as he achieved ten A and A* equivalent grades.

The budding aerospace engineer said he was shocked to see how much he had achieved.

He said: "Really, I wasn't expecting this. I am so happy.

"The teachers took a lot of time to help us.

"They know our individual strengths and weaknesses and they helped us focus on the right things."

Imran Tariq, 16, was scoring C grades in maths just one year ago - today, he was stunned when he saw his final grade was an A*.

He said: "Mr Goldspink my maths teacher helped me and in a year I got this grade.

"I actually can't believe it."

Imran scored an impressive 9 equivalent A* grades and two As, and will study to become an aerospace engineer after A-levels.

"We did mock exams so we can be prepared," he said.

"The teachers were always there to help.

"I am definitely happy with what I got."

This year changes to exams mean coursework is eradicated for English and books cannot be taken into exams, meaning students have to memorise dozens of quotes and take longer, harder tests.

Head of English at Norlington, Brendan Isaac said the teens did "extremely well".

He said: "We had a much bigger focus on revision strategy. Historically kids benefited from coursework and speaking and listening exams. We had to change the diet for them to achieve success.

"The exams are more rigorous and deeper.

"They have done really well."

Humza Shaikh, 16, banked an impressive 10 A* and A grades.

The teenager who hopes to study law or finance at university said he was delighted with his grades.

He said: "I was so nervous when I opened them, I just wanted to get it over with.

"I was so happy when I saw them. The teachers here really helped me, especially Mr Goldspink.

"If ever there was a problem at Norlington the teachers just helped me understand it there and then. I'm really happy."

Adam Janjua, 16, wowed the school when he scored full marks in French.

The teenager who will go on to study at City and Islington College in London also took home six more GCSE results, graded A and B.

Headteacher John Hernandez said: "We are very pleased with another year of exceptional GCSE grades.

"This builds on several years of outstanding academic performance at Norlington.

"This includes 71% of students achieved the new government standard in English and maths and one in four achieved three or more A* or A equivalent grades.

"We are very proud of all of our students."

The school offered special recognition to Adam Janjua, Riaz Hussain and Imran Tarim.

Overall, 91% of the triple science students gained A and A* grades, while 97% took home A*-C grades in Graphics.

A huge 83 percent of all students achieved A- C grades in English, and 76% scored in the high grade category for maths.

"Norlington is a very unique school where a family ethos is the foundation upon which students achieve great things," Mr Hernandez said.

"Staff and students work tirelessly to achieve the school's aim: To become the number one boys' school in the country, our students deserve it."