A proud headteacher says she is “over the moon” after her students recorded a dramatically improved set of GCSE results.

Westfield Community Technology College, in Tolpits Lane, Watford, recorded a dramatic 19 per cent increase in the numbers of students getting five A* to C grades in subjects including maths and English.

Some 82 per cent of pupils, meanwhile, achieved five A* to C grades across all subjects, an eight per cent improvement on last year.

Headteacher Emma Aylesbury said: “We are absolutely over the moon about it. We were expecting some good results but this proves that the hard work that everybody has put in over the years has been worth it.”

More strong results were recorded at Queens’ School, Bushey, where pupils recorded a record 88 per cent A* to C pass rate, up from 85 per cent last year.

Thirty-one per cent of exams achieved the top A and A* grades – up form 28 per cent last year.

Watford Grammar School for Boys also recorded excellent results, with a record 57 per cent of candidates achieving five or more A* and A grades.

Ninety per cent of pupils achieved at least five A to C passes, including maths and English.

Headmaster Martin Post said: “Although exam results are by no means our only measure of success, academic performance is crucial in helping our students achieve their aspirations upon leaving the School. Warmest congratulations to all the boys, their teachers and their proud parents.”

Retiring St Michael’s Catholic High School head John Murphy, meanwhile, expressed his pride at his pupils’ achievements, with the numbers attaining five A* to C grades (including maths and English) rising three points to 71 per cent.

He said: “This is my last year here. There has been 14 years of rising trends in examinations results. I think that because I am retiring this year, getting record results is tremendous.”