THERE was jubilation at Verulam School in St Albans where sixth formers had “excellent” examination results.

Headteacher Paul Ramsey today, Thursday, said pupils had bucked the national trend by achieving a record number of top A* and A grades (39 per cent).

He added: “I was delighted to see our students do so well in these challenging exams. Our students have worked incredibly hard and have been awarded triple the number of the very top A* grades.”

Mr Ramsey said he was particularly pleased that three pupils had gained places at Oxford and Cambridge, while the boys’ fellow students at Verulam had also succeeded in reaching their goals.

Will Akhurst, Nick Gachowicz and Angus Keeley are celebrating their success in gaining places at Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

Will is to read biological sciences at Lady Margaret Halls College Oxford, Nick will read economics at Emmanuel College Cambridge, and Angus will read medicine at Downing College Cambridge.