FOR the sixth year in a row over 80 per cent of GCSEs gained by boys at St Albans School were at A* or A amid a national picture where top grades have become harder to secure.

Thirteen students achieved 10 A*s or more, including Oluwaseun Adekoya, Ben Harley, Declan Houten, and Noah Lipschitz, and star pupil Harry Sampson earned himself 11 straight A*s.

In addition, 40 boys achieved ten or more GCSEs with no grade lower than an A.

Headmaster Andrew Grant said: “This year group gave themselves a healthy scare in their mock examinations last November and they and their teachers have worked incredibly hard and very effectively to measure up to their true potential in the real thing.

“It’s a particular tribute to all of them, students and staff alike, that they have pulled this off without stinting in their commitment to the rest of their busy lives – sport, music, drama, the CCF (Combined Cadet Force) or the Duke of Edinburgh’s scheme - and we are proud of what they’ve achieved.”