HEATHCOTE School in Stevenage was celebrating its best ever A-level results, made even more poignant by the fact that it is the last time the sixth form will hold the exams.

The school, which is due to close in 2012, got a 98 per cent A*-E pass rate.

Post 16 director Nick Monk said: “We are extremely grateful that so many parents and students keep faith with the school for Heathcote’s last sixth form and that our students have met with such outstanding success.”

Student Christopher Spreckley passed five A-levels, with an A* in Psychology, an A in biology, Bs in chemistry and history and a C in general studies. He is now going to Leicester University to study Biological Sciences.

Christopher said: “I was a nervous wreck last night and early this morning. Along with getting the place at university and these results, I’m overwhelmed. It’s just amazing.”

Clare Latta - who achieved an A* in biology and As in maths and chemistry - is off to the University of Manchester to study Biology.

She said: “I couldn’t have asked for more support. The teachers at Heathcote have provided the best help you could possibly need and have supported me through those difficult moments.”

Head boy James Smithson got an A* in fine art in addition to Cs in history and drama. He’s now going to the University of Gloucestershire to study Fine Art, and hopes one day to enter his work for the BP Portrait Award.

He said: “It’s just perfect really. Art is my main subject – it’s really satisfying to get the highest grade you can get in your best subject.”

Head girl Rebecca Lavender wasn’t to be outdone either, and her A in psychology, Bs in English Literature and media studies and C in general studies was enough to result in an apprenticeship with a prestigious local company.

She said: “Even though I joined the school in Year 9, I was welcomed straight away. The teachers have been hard working, dedicated and above all else supportive. I wish everyone all the best for the future.”