Dame Alice Owen’s School achieved 81% A*-B grades in their A-level results.

For the seventh year over 80% of grades achieved were between A*-B, and 22.9% of students were awarded an A*.

A*-A grades were awarded to 55.5% of entrants.

As a result, 16 students from the Potters Bar school have confirmed their places at Oxford and Cambridge.

Dr Alan Davison, Dame Alice Owen’s headteacher, said: “Congratulations to all students and staff for their hard work.

“In a challenging year, as a result of government changes, the students’ commitment and excellent teaching ensured their success.”

Student Livia Dewaele said: “I have never worked as hard as I did this year, after being disappointed with my AS results last year.

“I’m very excited to now be going to Oxford so it paid off.”

Another delighted student at the Dugdale Hill Lane school, Sophie Young, said: “I still remember the joy when I found out I got my place at Owen’s nearly 8 years ago, and I have that same feeling today as I look at my results (three A*s and an A) for my place at Cambridge.”

* For more A-level results news, visit the Welwyn Hatfield Times’ education section.