HITCHIN Boys’ School has attained a massive 98 per cent pass rate for the A-level exams.

Around 40 per cent of students managed to achieve grades B and above.

Keith Wadsworth, head teacher, said: “We know that around about half got their first pick at university.

“We’re also pleased with boys who aren’t at the highest academic level who stayed on and got two A-levels.

“We’ve got a lad who didn’t get his university place last year despite the fact he got four A’s and a B.

“He then came back and got an A* and is going this year.”