Dame Alice Owen’s School in Potters Bar posted another set of outstanding GCSE results with five of its brainboxes scooping a “full house” of top grades.

Of all of the entries, 49.93 per cent were graded 8/9 (A*), and 19.46 per cent were graded 7 (A) – meaning 69.4 per cent of all entries were between 7 and 9.

Among the geniuses were twins Matthew and Neve Mayes, who both got 11 9s – the top mark in all of their exams.

Matthew told the WHT: “I was a bit shocked but absolutely delighted at the same time – it was a really good feeling [when I found out].

“I had to count them through to check they were all there.”

Fellow brainbox and sister Neve said that she still couldn’t believe how well she had done, adding that her mother – who clearly must have wished they had revised harder – was “pretty happy” at the pair’s achievements.

Headteacher Hannah Nemko said: “We are delighted to be celebrating another set of outstanding results today.

“The new GCSEs in particular have been incredibly challenging and our fantastic results have only been possible thanks to the expertise and dedication of all our staff mixed with the determination and drive to do well that so many of our students have shown.

“Both the staff and student body deserve to feel very proud of themselves today – I am incredibly proud of all our young people and what they have achieved.”

She also referred to reports that only 200 students nationwide secured a “full house” of top grades, adding she was “thrilled” for the five Owen’s students who were in the elite club.

Chair of governors Peter Martin said: “I must once again pay tribute to the tremendous commitment and expertise of our staff in guiding our hardworking students to these brilliant results, it is a pleasure to see them get the rewards they deserve.”