STUDENTS from across Watford were beaming with excitement when they opened up their exam results.

While not all got the grades they were hoping for, the majority were thrilled their hard work had paid off.

The atmosphere at Westfield Academy, in Tolpitts Lane, was tense - but teachers and students soon hailed an “outstanding” set of results.

Friends Charlotte Hobson and Sophie Higgs said they were generally pleased with their results, despite wanting to do “a little better”.

Sophie, who didn’t get the ABB needed for her first choice – the University of Nottingham – said: “I need to figure out where I’m going.”

There was an increase in A Level results, as the number of students achieving three A* to C doubled.

“This is so gratifying for everyone involved,” said Tim Body, headteacher.

Sixth Form students at The Royal Masonic School for Girls, in Rickmansworth, have maintained their reputation for excellent academic results with a 100 per cent pass rate at A Level and 48 per cent of grades at A*/A grade

Headmaster since January 2017, Kevin Carson is delighted with the academic results produced by his first cohort of Year 13 students.

“I am very proud of what our students have achieved in their Year 13 examinations. Almost half of all grades attained are A*/A grades, which is testament to pupils’ hard work and to the dedication of our teaching staff,” he said.

St Clement Danes students also celebrated, as more than a third of students got an A* or A.

Headteacher Dr Valentine called the results “superb.” Five were offered places at Oxbridge - but one turned it down to travel in lieu of an American university.

Watford UTC said the majority of its students obtained their first choice university course following publication of the A Level examination results.

Students at the school achieved a 99 per cent pass rate and nearly 50 per cent of these grades being A*/A equivalent.

Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School achieved 83 per cent A* to A, the second highest results in five years. Bruce Parris, achieved four A*s and will study physics at Oxford, while Zak Wagman was thrilled with his three A*s. He will read history at Warwick.

At Immanuel College in Bushey, 25 per cent of students gained only A* and As. Northwood College enjoyed grades above the national average, with 70 per cent achieving A* to B and 90 per cent A* to C.

St Helens in Northwood saw 19 per cent get A*s.