The John Henry Newman Catholic School’s GCSE results have been hailed as “stunning”, as 17 students at the Stevenage school achieved at least 10 A*-A grades or equivalent.

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

Headteacher Clive Mathew used the word to describe his school’s results, while assistant headteacher Jo Scouller added: “Despite the uncertainty caused by changes to GCSEs, the pupils have performed brilliantly.

“The results may even place us back in the top 100 schools again.”

The school said a “significant cohort” of pupils gained a large number of the highest grades, including the new grade 9 – the top result for English and maths.

All of the following pupils achieved 10 or more A*-A grades or the new equivalent of 9-7: Katherine Aldaba, Emily Brouat, Eve Cranny, Steven Elliott, Ania Farthing, Mevanti Fernando, Katie Foster, Lewis Frame, Charlotte Kasperowicz, Eva Mulligan, Orla Norman, Caitlin O’Connor, Ruari Phelan, Stefy Sunil, Liss Suresh and Sam Tisi.

The Comet: JHN girls Stefy Sunil, Sain Suresh, and Natasha Thompson with their GCSEs.JHN girls Stefy Sunil, Sain Suresh, and Natasha Thompson with their GCSEs. (Image: Archant)

Regarding not releasing overall results, a statement issued on behalf of the Stevenage secondary schools headteachers said: “This year there have been many changes in how students in Year 11 are assessed in their GCSE examinations.

“For English and maths, grades have moved from A*-G to 9-1. Examinations have become more rigorous and controlled assessment is no longer part of the English exam.

“This summer is the first time students sat the new English and maths GCSE. Throughout the year schools across the country have struggled to predict and assess what students will achieve as no grade boundaries were in place. The new system has led to confusion for students, parents and schools alike.

“With these national changes, year-on-year comparisons of attainment are not appropriate and headline progress measures will be unavailable until the official performance tables are released.

The Comet: JHN pupils Patrick Moran, Joe Bilyard, Aaron Coyne, and Lucy Fowler with their results.JHN pupils Patrick Moran, Joe Bilyard, Aaron Coyne, and Lucy Fowler with their results. (Image: Archant)

“As headteachers in Stevenage, we continue to work hard in our own schools and together as a family of schools, to raise achievement and improve the life chances of every single student in our care. This year we want to celebrate the individual success of each and every student.”