The new headteacher at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage has described this year’s A-level and AS-level results as excellent.

Mark Lewis, who took over the school at the beginning of the summer term, praised the hard work of students, 75 per cent of whom achieved grades of C or higher, and 24 per cent gaining at least one A*, A or distinction.

The overall pass rate was over 99 per cent.

“We have some extremely happy students celebrating record results this year, Mr Lewis said

“Our students have had an excellent year. Virtually all of our students have achieved the grades they require for their preferred choices of university.”

The school’s notable successes include Rebecca Burge, who gained three A* grades in Biology, English Literature and Physics and an A grade in AS Chemistry for a place at Manchester University to read Biology. Marcus Wallis achieved three A grades in Physics, Chemistry and Biology and a grade B in Psychology for a place at Nottingham to read Neuroscience. Maisie Williams and Daisy Hubbuck also achieved excellent results, securing two A grades and two B grades each. Maisie plans to read Drama and English and Daisy will be reading English.

The school is also celebrating outstanding results in the BTEC Level Three Diploma in Sports Studies. Every student achieved a distinction in the course, with seven students achieving the highest grade of a starred double distinction.

The school is looking to capitalise on its sporting talent by employing one of its successful students, Gary Ayres, as a sports apprentice next year, Mr Lewis said.

“We are pleased with the continuing upward trend these results show,” Mr Lewis added. “Our average points score per entry was over 200 points for the first time in the school’s history and our average total points score per student has risen by 57 points from last year, the equivalent of almost two grades overall per student. These excellent results reflect the huge number of talented, hard-working students and staff we have at our school.”