THERE were hugs all around among youngsters at St Albans High School for Girls this morning as every student achieved GCSE grades A* to C.

The school has described its exam results as “stunning” and reported 18 girls achieved straight A*s. In total 59 per cent of grades were at A* and 99 per cent were at A* to B.

Headmistress Rosemary Martin said: “These results, which include some subjects at the more rigorous IGCSE level, have set a new record at the High School and demonstrated the high level of enthusiasm, hard work and commitment by the girls, their teachers and the parents who supported them.

“Once again, this is especially rewarding against a background of a drop in grades at national level.”