Mount Grace School has lauded its “brilliant” GCSE results despite the more rigorous examination format.

Thirteen pupils at the Potters Bar school achieved six or more 7-9 (A*-A) grades, and headteacher Peter Baker praised how they performed under the new grading system.

He said: “Our hard-working students have performed brilliantly this exam season and have been rewarded with some truly impressive grades across all subjects.

“There is no doubt that this year’s exam season was very demanding because this was, for many subjects, the first year of the new, more rigorous GCSE subjects.”

The new format means there was far less coursework and most exams were at the end of the course – meaning greater pressure was placed on pupils performing well in the final weeks.

“All our students deserve to have their hard work and resilience recognised,” Mr Baker added. “They have made their families and the school very proud.

“I wish them the best of luck for their futures, wherever it takes them.”