GCSE results day 2017: St Francis’ College, Letchworth

The new GCSE 1-9 grading and how it matches up with the A*-G (Image: Archant)

Every pupil passed English and maths with grade passes from 1 to 9, with 88 per cent receiving a grade of 5 or higher in maths.

Some 87 per cent got grade 5 or higher in English, with 84 per cent doing so in English literature.

In other subjects, which retain the old A*-G grading system, 95 per cent of pupils gained at least five GCSEs at grade C or higher.

Top performers included Charlotte Ashwin, Becky Aldridge and Alix Wentworth-Foster – who attained all A*s, 8s and 9s. Twins Isabel and Louise Frolich also did well, receiving all A* to B grades.

Charlotte Ashwin celebrates after getting her GCSE results with her mother at St Francis' College in Letchworth. Picture: St Francis' College (Image: Archant)

Charlotte said: “I am thrilled with my results and I’m thankful for all the help I’ve received in the last two years from my teachers. I couldn’t be happier.”

Alix added: “Speechless, I’m just so happy.”

Olly Foster, Alix’s father, said: “We are so proud of her. It just shows that a lot of hard work usually pays off – she certainly doesn’t get her brains from me.”

Headteacher Bronwen Goulding told the Comet: “St Francis’ College are celebrating another year of outstanding results with a pass rate of 96.4 per cent at A* to C/4, compared with the national average of 66.3 per cent.

Alix Wentworth-Foster celebrates her GCSE results at St Francis' College in Letchworth. Picture: St Francis' College (Image: Archant)

“Well over half the grades were A*/A or equivalent, and a quarter of those A* or equivalent.

“In the new reformed GCSEs of maths and English, 46 per cent of all grades were in the 7 to 9 band – A* to A equivalent.

“Another set of excellent results in which our girls have flourished. I am very proud of the hard work of both girls and staff in achieving these outstanding outcomes in a climate of uncertainty.”