“Fantastic” GCSE grades are being heralded at Samuel Ryder Academy in St Albans, where staff and students have been overjoyed by record-breaking results.

Sasha and Michael Hailey, Imogen Kearns, Jeba Ahmed, Roni Davies, Keeleigh Hammond, Natasha Pensado and Abbie Smale all achieved a string of A grades.

Headteacher Matt Gauthier congratulated students and staff for their hard work and commitment.

Head of Year Helen Potter added: “With these fantastic results, the students should flourish extremely well in the sixth form.”