I M absolutely thrilled. That was the verdict of headteacher Jonathan Block on the GCSE results obtained from students at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage. The school s initial pass rate of 42 per cent, with more passes still to come, represents a si

I'M absolutely thrilled."

That was the verdict of headteacher Jonathan Block on the GCSE results obtained from students at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage.

The school's initial pass rate of 42 per cent, with more passes still to come, represents a significant achievement for the students.

"Their results have sustained the school's average above 40 per cent for the last three years, and when we pick up our BTEC and half-GCSE results next week, the overall figures at Key Stage Four this year will probably be above 50 per cent," Mr Block said.

The overall pass rate at the school was 99 per cent, and all but two students passed a GCSE in at least one subject.

The school's top performing students were Lauren Absalom, with five A* and six A grades; Clare Dagnall, who achieved five A*s and seven As, and Michael Robinson, with three A*s, seven As and one B.

"I wasn't sure what was going on when the head said he wanted to speak with me," Michael said. "I thought that might mean the results were bad; I never dreamt I'd get many As, let alone A*s."

The school is still waiting for BTEC results for 10 students, and half-GCSE results for 34 others.