Pupils and teachers celebrated A-Level results day at schools across St Albans and Harpenden, with pupils getting the grades to go on to their chosen university and vocational courses.
Despite the rainy weather pupils turned out in force at Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden, with three Sixth Formers achieving the grades to study Veterinary Science, one of the most competitive courses nationally.
Head of Sixth Form Cait Rickard said: “With the changes to syllabuses and exams, this has been an anxious time for them all and it is wonderful to see them so happy with the results of their hard work.”
Meanwhile, Beaumont School in St Albans celebrated the highest number of top grades and average points scores per pupil in the school’s history. Head of Sixth Form Paul De Kort praised this year’s Sixth Formers for being the first to tackle the challenging new A-Level structure.
Pupils at St Albans School had the second highest results in the school’s record, with A*s forming 27 per cent of grades.
Headteacher Jonathan Gillespie said: “This year’s outstanding A-Level results, the majority of which have been achieved in the more demanding new A-Level specifications, once again reflect the strong commitment and dedication shown by our Sixth Formers and our teaching staff.”
Verulam School in St Albans reported a “pleasing” set of results, with three pupils, Greta Geller, Sam Healy and Andrew Shaw, gaining ten A*s between them and securing places at Oxford and Cambridge.
Annie Thomson, headteacher of Marlborough Science Academy in St Albans, commended pupils on their “focused study and commitment”. She said: “As always there were individuals who achieved As and A*s across the board and we wish them every success as they embark on the next stage of their journeys.
“We congratulate our students who have secured themselves fantastic apprenticeship opportunities and for those students who are going on to employment - we wish them every success too.”
At Roundwood Park School in Harpenden, headteacher Alan Henshall thanked teachers and parents for supporting pupils to achieve their desired grades.
He said: “The pupils have worked really hard and I am very proud of all their achievements, whether their destination is university or the world of employment.”
Sandringham School in St Albans praised both pupils going on to university and into careers. Head girl Bella Priestman-Bennett and Head Boy Benji Watkins are following the traditional route to university, reading History at Cambridge and Medicine at Imperial respectively, while Elliot Brinkworth will join Harrods and Alex Darlington will join Google on Higher Apprenticeships.
Samuel Ryder Academy in St Albans has described this year’s results as an “outstanding success” in a climate of significant educational change. Head Girl Sofia Metcalf Rainer, who achieved A*AA, said: “I am absolutely thrilled and cannot wait to study geography at University of York.”
Declan Linane, headteacher at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School, said: “I am delighted with this year’s A-Level and vocational results. These results demonstrate the outstanding efforts of students, parents and staff and this community should be proud of what they have achieved.”
Boys at St Columba’s School in St Albans are also celebrating excellent results. Headteacher David Buxton said: “The number of students achieving excellent grades this summer is very pleasing and a testament to the hard work and talent of the students, the dedication and expertise of the staff and the support of parents.”
At St Albans Girls’ School (STAGS) headteacher Margaret Chapman praised pupils for “outstanding” results. Pupil Lucia Davighi, who achieved three A*s and one A and is heading to Bath to study architecture and civil engineering, said: “I didn’t realise I could achieve this much.”
Meanwhile at Loreto School in St Albans, almost 10 per cent of pupils achieved three A to A* grades, and at Oaklands College students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate at A2 Level.
Oaklands student Oliver Bowrick secured four A*s in his A-Levels and is off to study Human, Social and Political Sciences.
St Albans High School for Girls congratulated its pupils for results which are a “fitting reflection of their hard work and talent”, with 24 per cent of girls gaining two or more A* grades.
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