Students at The Barclay School in Stevenage achieved a 95 per cent pass rate at A*-E when A-level results were published today.

The Comet: Barclay student Andrew Wallace with his A-level results alongside the Stevenage school's head Jacqui O'Connor.Barclay student Andrew Wallace with his A-level results alongside the Stevenage school's head Jacqui O'Connor. (Image: Archant)

The number of A*-A grades was 29 per cent, while A*-B or equivalent was 43 per cent.

Those who achieved Distinction* or Distinction in BTEC was at ‘unprecedented levels’, with 61 per cent getting those grades.

Headteacher Jacqui O’Connor said: “I am so pleased for our students – we are absolutely delighted with our sixth form results this year.

“It is particularly pleasing that so many of our academic A-level subjects had 100 per cent pass rates. Eleven subjects – including art, geography, further maths, physics, religious studies and sociology – had every student pass and this has enabled our students to go on to the very best universities.

“We are also justly proud of our vocational curriculum with successes in subjects such as business studies, dance and sport. This year we have had an unprecedented number of students gaining the highest possible grades of Distinction or Distinction*.

“As always we have had some truly outstanding individual performances in all qualifications and wish to extend our heartiest congratulations to all Barclay students.”

The school has heaped praise on all students, but top performers include:

Ellie Brooker, who gained a double Distinction* in BTEC double award sports diploma and a C in A-level sociology. She is off to Bedfordshire to train to become a PE teacher.

Tyler McKenna – who gained two A*s in maths and further maths, and an A in physics – is going to Southampton University to read mathematics.

Emma Plenty achieved A in photography and two Bs in English literature and religious studies. She will be studying biology at the University of Bristol.

Charlotte Lopez – who gained an A in maths and two Bs in physics and biology – has accepted a place at Exeter to read biology.

Andrew Wallace – who had straight As in English literature, history and religious studies – is off to read law at Nottingham University.