PLENTY of A-level students in the district have had lots to cheer about after receiving their results today. Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden described having received some fantastic results and most students at neighbouring Harpenden school St George

PLENTY of A-level students in the district have had lots to cheer about after receiving their results today.

Sir John Lawes School in Harpenden described having received some "fantastic" results and most students at neighbouring Harpenden school St George's picked up high grades.

Nicholas Breakspear in St Albans confirmed that their results were an improvement on last year and the school was delighted with the number of students obtaining the highest grades, particularly those who achieved straight A grades in all their subjects.

At Sir John Lawes, outgoing head girl Sarah Geraghty was thrilled to discover she had achieved the grades she needed to read English at St Hilda's College, Oxford.

She said: "It's great to be able to celebrate good news with friends who we've known for years as we get to the end of our time at the school.

Head Claire Robins commented: "The excellent grades are the result of staff and students working extremely hard together and we couldn't be more proud of how well they have done."

St George's revealed that on average every A-level subject entry got a B grade - the high average boosted by the 26 young men and women who got three or more A grades.

Head Norman Hoare said he was especially pleased for those for whom A-levels were a particular challenge and came through with very creditable passes.

He said: "They are the ones who had the greatest distance to go and probably faced the greatest test in their life so far.

"Nearly all of those applying to university and college have secured their places.