There were celebrations in the sunshine this morning as former pupils of Eggar’s School in Holybourne returned to collect their GCSE results and be reunited with their friends and teachers.

Star performer was Fin James, from Alton, who earned ten grade 9s and one grade 8.

Looking down his results sheet, Fin joked about the order in which his grades were listed.

He said: “It’s great - but I really wish they’d put the 8 at the bottom!”

Fin will now do mathematics, further mathematics, computer science and physics A-levels at Salesian College in Farnborough.

Head boy Will Ganner didn’t reveal exactly what grades he received, but said he did “really well”.

Will added: “I’m very happy with my results. Eggar’s is a good environment for students to learn in. There are really good teachers and they really push you to get the results you need.”

His dad Tim said: “The school has very high expectations but it works with the parents and students to fulfil them. It’s a healthy environment for learning.

“There is lots of encouragement for free thinking and personal development. Will has grown in that fantastic environment - helped by a really enthusiastic head teacher!”

Will is going on to do A-level physics, mathematics and environmental science at Peter Symonds College in Winchester.

Sophie Finn, from Alton, earned eight grade 9s, two grade 8s and one grade 7. She is going to do science and mathematics A-levels at Peter Symonds College.

She said: “I enjoyed my time at Eggar’s. I will maybe go on to do medicine, or something to do with science or mathematics. That’s what I’m interested in really.”

Sophie had a fun day of events planned to celebrate her results.

She said: “I’m going bowling with my friends, and going out for dinner with my family as well.”

Senior deputy head boy Zack Blackwood, from Farnham, was “very pleased” with what he got and will now do physics, mathematics and three-dimensional design A-levels at Godalming College.

He balanced his revision with creating the whole 38-acre Eggar’s site in Minecraft using 2.5 million blocks and demonstrating exceptional precision, ingenuity and a genuine love of his school.

Zack revealed that his dream was to have a career full of ups and downs.

He said: “I’ve wanted to design rollercoasters since I was eight. I’ve always been fascinated with them and I’m really happy I’ve got the results to pursue that career.”

The biggest rollercoaster Zack has ridden so far is the Hyperia at Thorpe Park - it is 236 feet tall!

Rose Dunbar, from Farnham, earned three grade 8s, four grade 7s, a grade 6 and a grade 5. She is going to Godalming College to do history, psychology and graphic design A-levels.

Looking to pursue a career in visual marketing, Rose said the first thing she wanted to do after receiving her results was to get some food inside her.

She said: “I’m going out for breakfast or brunch now - I didn’t want to eat anything before I came here!”

Head girl Lottie Smith, from Froyle, said she got “7s and 8s and a couple of 9s”. She is going to Peter Symonds College to do A-levels in English literature, business and graphic communications.

She said: “I’m really pleased with my results and it’s nice to see that your hard work pays off. It’s always good if you get a little bit of a happy surprise.”

Tasty treats were on the menu for Lottie’s celebration in the afternoon.

She said: “I’m going for afternoon tea. My nan got gifted this thing at a really fancy hotel. Sixteen-year-olds definitely like jam and cream scones too!”

Lottie was delighted to have a last chance to be with her school friends but was also excited about her future.

She said: “It’s nice that the whole year group is here. You spend five years together and you get to see the rewards of it.

“I’m really looking forward to Peter Symonds. Two years is such a short time - it will fly by compared to five years at Eggar’s.

“I don’t really know what I want for a career so I’m sticking to subjects that I like!”

Abi Warnes received an Arkwright Scholarship for engineering and architecture in addition to two grade 8s, two grade 7s and five grade 6s.

She said: “It provides money to help with your studies, or connections into the industry. There are 1,600 applicants a year for 300 scholarships, so it’s a very prestigious thing to earn.”

Abi, from Binsted, took GCSEs in subjects including drama, art, geography and design technology, in which she received a mark of 97 per cent for her practical examination.

She will do A-levels in three-dimensional design, textiles and mathematics at Godalming College, which she said had “a really good 3D design and textiles course”.

Abi added: “I’m feeling relieved and happy not to have to retake anything. Me and my friends are going out bowling together to celebrate.”

Chair of governors Linda Campbell said: “It’s a jolly occasion. Everyone looks so happy and is having a really positive experience.

“I’m very pleased, and particularly delighted for this year group because they were a lovely group of young people who worked really hard and got the results they deserved.”

Head teacher Sarah Holman said: “There are some very happy parents and it’s been a lovely atmosphere today.

“One parent said ‘I will come back and say what a great time my daughter has had at the school’. They said she’s done really well, but it’s also been a great experience for her.

“The sun has been shining on us today and the amount of parents here is staggering.

“It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to champion these students, and we are delighted to see them rewarded today for their positive spirit, ambition and resolve. We are proud of the people they have become.

“I’m very happy and it’s extra-special because these are the students who started in lockdown and now we’re really excited about their futures. They’ve got bright futures ahead of them.”

There were outstanding subject performances this year in science, languages, geography, art, photography, statistics and further mathematics.

Most former Eggar’s School Year 11 students will be continuing their studies at Peter Symonds College, Alton College and Godalming College.

Mrs Holman added: “We congratulate them on their exceptional outcomes and wish them every success and happiness in the future. They will be missed.”