As students from across Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield and Potters Bar collected their A-level results yesterday, there were plenty of smiling faces and amazing pictures.
Stanborough School pupils were among those celebrating, including Bradley Loughnane, who secured top grades and is off to Cambridge University to study psychology.
"I am really happy with my results. I know the grade boundaries were harsher this year but I’m delighted that I got the grades to go to Cambridge to study psychology," he said.
Head boy Bomo Alagoa secured his place at Warwick University to study ancient history, saying: "I am so happy with my grades, it just shows that if you keep striving to achieve your goals you will achieve them in the end."
"I would like to congratulate every single student for their achievement this year but also thank the staff for their tireless work in the last two years," added headteacher Mrs John.
"We are very pleased, as so many of our students have secured places on a wide range of courses at universities including the Russell Group as well as higher level apprenticeships."
Over in Hatfield, Bishop's Hatfield Girls' School headteacher Mr Alf Wood couldn't hide his pride after his students achieved some excellent grades and secured their university places.
"I am so proud of our students," he said.
"They have achieved some fantastic results, but just as importantly have shown incredible strength of character and perseverance to overcome the challenges we have all faced in recent times.
"It’s great to celebrate academic achievement on results day, but I am just as proud of the ways our students have contributed to the school and to their community over recent years; they are a wonderfully kind and supportive group of young people.
"Our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure students are able to progress and fulfil their ambitions and it is really exciting to hear about the next steps in their lives, whether it be in further education, apprenticeships or employment.
READ MORE: RECAP: A-level results day as Welwyn Hatfield students collect results
Another Hatfield school, Onslow St Audrey's, recorded some superb results, with two-thirds of students achieving grades A*-C, while 98 per cent achieved passes at A*-E.
All students also achieved at least a pass grade in their vocational qualifications, with 100 per cent achieving a Merit, Distinction or Distinction* in Business, Childcare and Sport.
Headteacher Julie Jones said: "I am very proud of the Year 13 students and staff at Onslow St Audrey’s School.
"Our students have achieved a strong set of results despite all the challenges they have faced over recent years and the rigour of this year’s examination process.
"I would like to congratulate all students on their achievements and wish them well in their next steps of study or work."
Dame Alice Owen's in Potters Bar had a wonderful A-level results day, with 44 per cent of students achieved three or more A/A* grades, with 13 per cent of students achieving four A*/As and a remarkable five students achieving four or more A*/As.
61 per cent of all grades achieved were A*/A, with 27 per cent of all exams graded A*, and 34 per cent A, exactly in line with 2019 grades.
22 per cent of grades were awarded at a grade B, resulting in 83 per cent A*-B.
All 22 students Dame Alice students who were offered places at Oxbridge this year have been able to accept their places, including Anish, who said: "I am excited to see what the next chapter holds at Oxford University where I am going to study biochemistry.
"The school has provided me with so many opportunities and I feel they have really helped me reach my full potential and given me a firm foundation for my next steps in education.
"I am thankful for all the support my friends, family and teachers have given me."
Chancellor's School in Brookmans Park school also celebrated some excellent results.
The highest attaining students included Andrew Achler (A*A*A*A*), Luci Di Rubbo (A*A*A), Freddie Morrall (A*A*A), Joel Daniel (A*AAA), Joseph Kleiner-Mann (A*AAA), Harmony Turner (A*AA) and Kiera Hearn (A*AA).
Will Fitch (ABB) will read business and management at Reading, Zak Yianni (A*A*A) will read film and literature at Warwick and Caleb Edwards (A*AB) will read history at Loughborough.
"I am delighted to be able to congratulate all our students and their parents on a fantastic set of A-level grades, which should serve our leavers very well in their futures," said headteacher David Croston.
"Our leaving students were a superb cohort and they should feel extremely proud that they have navigated their educational experience with flying colours.
"Their results are a fitting tribute to their determination, hard work and careful approach throughout two years of rigorous academic study. We are extremely proud of a wonderful group of talented students."
At another Brookmans Park school, Queenswood, almost a third of grades were A*-A, with a fifth of students achieving at least three A*-A grades.
"Our students and staff have worked extremely hard to achieve these results, which are all the more impressive given the significant disruption they faced during the first year of A-level study," said principal Jo Cameron.
Izzie Engestrom was delighted with her four A*s, saying: "I am thrilled to have had my
place confirmed at Cambridge.
"As this was my first set of formal exams and the grade boundaries have been tightened this year it was a relief to see the results this morning.
"I would like to thank the Geography Department who went above and beyond to support me throughout the application, interview and exam process."
Students from Queenswood are now moving on to study across the world, including the School of Visual Arts in New York, and music production at Berklee in Boston, Massachusetts.
Mount Grace School in Potters Bar had plenty to celebrate, with student Stephanie S among their top performers, achieving grades A*, A*, A*, and accepting a place to read law at Russell Group university Queen Mary.
Joe T achieved grades A, B, C and a Distinction* will be reading English literature at university following a gap year, while Dilipa F achieved a grade B, a Distinction* and a Distinction to embark on an apprenticeship with the Walt Disney Cooperation.
Jack P who achieved Distinction* and two Distinctions will be pursuing his aspirations to join the police force.
"Although these results have brought us back to pre-pandemic arrangements, the Sixth Form cohort this year have not sat formal external examinations since they were in primary school so it feels extra special to celebrate with them today," said interim headteacher Geeta Patel.
"Our Sixth Form is going from strength to strength and we are proud of the breadth and range of courses we offer along with the excellent teaching.
"I am especially proud of the young people our sixth formers have become under our care and guidance and wish them all the very best for the future."
Ridgeway Academy headteacher Sarah Mitcherson was delighted with the school's results, saying: "Well done and congratulations to all students receiving their A-level and Vocational results today, a reflection of their hard work and dedication to study.
"Thank you to the staff at Ridgeway and across the Welwyn Hatfield Sixth Form Consortium and to the individual student families for their support."
Among the Welwyn Garden City school's top performers was Kamil, who secured his place at Oxford, while Megan, who got A*, A, B, will be attending University of York to study history.
Sarah Merrigan, assistant headteacher at Ridgeway, added: "I am incredibly proud of all our Year 13 students rising to the challenge and all students receiving offers from their first choice University."
And finally, at Monk's Walk School in Welwyn Garden City, headteacher Kate Smith said: "These results reflect the hard work, determination and resilience of our students, particularly in light of the challenges provided by the pandemic.
"None of this was achieved without the brilliant support we receive, as always, from our parents who no doubt will also have been waiting anxiously for the results.
"I would like to thank all of our staff for the part they have played in supporting our students to attain these grades.
"But most of all I would like to say a personal congratulations to all of our students and wish them all the best for the future."
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