Head teacher Jed Whelan said his pupils have “stepped up to the plate” for this year’s GCSEs.

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Alicia Chamberlain and Alex Hemmingfield. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn SchoolAlicia Chamberlain and Alex Hemmingfield. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn School (Image: Archant)

The head teacher pointed out that this year’s Year 11 is the first cohort to face the tougher GCSE exams introduced by the government, with the vast majority of subjects crossing over to the nine-to-one grading scale, replacing the previous A*-G system.

He said that the overhaul of traditional GCSEs is an effort to help the UK better compete academically on an international level.

“We are delighted that our results reflect some outstanding performances by our students,” he said.

These include:

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Nell Moore and Joshua Pope. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn SchoolNell Moore and Joshua Pope. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn School (Image: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn School)

Waseem Bendahane with 3 grade 9s, 5 grade 7s, 1 grade 5 and an A

Seyitan Gandonu with 4 grade 8s, 1 grade 7, 2 grade 6s, 2 grade 5s and a B

Courtney Marney has 2 grade 8s, 4 grade 7s, 2 grade 6s and 2 grade 5s

Libby Moore achieved 2 grade 9s, 1 grade 8, 5 grade 6s

Welwyn Hatfield Times: Jamie Fisher and Ben Ambler. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn SchoolJamie Fisher and Ben Ambler. Picture: supplied by Sir Frederic Osborn School (Image: Archant)

Nell Moore achieved 3 grade 8s, 5 grade 7s and 2 grade 6s

Joshua Pope with 1 grade 9, 3 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and 3 grade 6s

Charlotte Stoten has 1 grade 8, 2 grade7s, 2 grade 6s, 3 grade 5s and 1 grade 4

Both Waseem and Libby scored the top grade of 9 in both their English language and literature exams, a new grade designed to recognise the very best performance.

“So in every subject, there will be fewer grade 9s awarded than A*s in the old GCSEs,” noted Mr Whelan.

“We are delighted for our students who have worked so hard to achieve these wonderful grades,” he continued.

“Students have every right to be proud of their achievements.

“I would like to praise the staff of the school who are always prepared to go that extra mile to help students and have seen their efforts and dedication rewarded in the happy faces of our students.

“We also acknowledge the support given to the students and the school by their parents and carers.

“The results are a culmination of great deal of teamwork.”