A Congolese student had outstanding GCSE results after a year of hard work.

Modestin Bokete, 16, of Paisley Road, Carshalton, a pupil from Nonsuch High School for Girls, found out last Thursday she achieved nine A* and three A grades on her exams – to her parents’ delight.

Modestin was born in the Republic of Congo but moved to the UK with her family when she was three months old.

Last Thursday, she learned she had achieved some of the highest grades in Sutton, if not the country.

Her proud mother, Theresa, said: “It’s been a good year and we have been very supportive of her.

She wants to be a doctor, so we told her she has to study hard and get the best grades she can and that’s what’s she’s doing.

“You are speaking with the proudest mum in the world.”

The Boketes had a barbecue last Thursday to celebrate Modestin’s grades, who decided to stay in Nonsuch School for her A-Levels next year.

Sutton had a record set of GCSE results and is maintaining its position as one of the top performing local authorities for GCSEs in the country.

The percentage of students receiving A* to C grades jumped 7.5 per cent last year to 86.2 per cent – above the national average of 67.1 per cent.

The borough also saw an increase of 1.7 percent on students receiving five A* to C grades including Maths and English this year.

There was an overall pass rate of over 97.5 per cent in Sutton this year.

Councillor Tony Brett Young, executive member for young people said: “This is a stunning set of results.

"Sutton’s students have improved in every measure this year and shown yet again they are the best in the country.

“The results are a testament to their hard work and dedication.

"We can be very proud of our schools, which continue to be the best schools in the country.

“Success at GCSE gives our young people a great platform to go on and do whatever they want to do in life – be it vocational training, further study or employment.

“I congratulate all our young people, teachers and parents on their achievements.”