THE belles of the academic ball – that was the description give by staff to students at St Francis College in Letchworth GC. There was a bumper crop of A level results this year. Over 83 per cent of results were at A/B grade, with almost 60 per cent of th

THE belles of the academic ball - that was the description give by staff to students at St Francis College in Letchworth GC.

There was a bumper crop of A level results this year.

Over 83 per cent of results were at A/B grade, with almost 60 per cent of the exams taken achieving grade A.

Possibly the most remarkable statistic is that almost 40 per cent of the upper sixth girls achieved three, four or five straight A grades.

The overall pass rate was 99.3 per cent.

"This year's results are outstanding," said headmistress Dorothy MacGinty. "It is testament to the diligence and determination of every individual girl. We are not a highly selective school, but we offer excellent teaching staff and small classes, affording the opportunity to nurture the individual's potential.

"Fourteen per cent of our upper sixth have gained places at Oxbridge, which is one of the highest percentages in the country. I am proud of all of the girls who have worked hard and gained places at their first choice university."

Top student Abbie Omolu is heading for Imperial College, London to study biomedical sciences after gaining straight As in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

"I am really proud," said the 18-year-old.

St Francis' College

Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, Herts SG6 3PJ