A 97 per cent pass rate at A-level was achieved at Heathcote School, Stevenage and this continues the trend of improved results over the last three years.

Post 16 director Nick Monk said: ‘We are particularly pleased with this year’s A-level results as the majority of courses were new ones.

“The results in English literature are outstanding with 22 per cent of our students achieving an A* or A grade.’

Melissa Timmins said that she was “really shocked” at her results – an A* in English literature, As in religious studies and media and Bs in biology and general studies. Melissa, who is going to read English literature at the University of Hertfordshire, said: “I am very happy and thank everyone for their support.”

Marianne Williams, who achieved three As in English literature, geography and psychology, a B in media and a C in general studies, said: “I’m over the moon. I was dreading the results. I didn’t think I’d get the two As I needed to go to Kent University to study psychology and I got three instead.”

Her mother, Catherine, said the results justified the effort her daughter had made, adding: “She worked like a Trojan.”

Kate Johnson achieved an A* in English literature, As in French and media and Cs in maths and general studies. This was particularly impressive, says the school, as Kate’s family has lived in France throughout her A-level studies so her excellent results show tremendous personal determination and effort on her part.

High achieving boys include Sam Lister, who achieved two Bs and two Cs and Matthew Briars who achieved a B and a C.

Sam, who is going to study geography at Aberystwyth, said: “I’m so happy. I didn’t get the grades I wanted at AS and so last year put the effort in and got the grades I wanted. I’d particularly like to thank Mr Monk for his help throughout my time in the sixth form.”

Headteacher Edward Gaynor said: “It is great to see our students achieve the success they deserve. Congratulations and best wishes for the future to them all. I would also like to thank the staff for their hard work and all our families for their support. I met several parents this morning (Thursday) who were so clearly proud of their children’s achievements.”