Pupils at schools around St Albans braved last Thursday's torrential rain to collect their results.

Students turned out in force at Sir John Lawes School where among those celebrating their achievements were Erin Batstone, Amy Hartnup and Anna Pollard, whose exceptionally high grades mean that all three of them have been successful in obtaining their places to read veterinary sciences – one of the most competitive courses nationally.

Head of sixth form Cait Rickard said: "We are delighted that our Year 13 students are moving on to some of the most prestigious courses and universities. With the changes to syllabuses and exams, this has been an anxious time for them all and it is wonderful to see them so happy with the results of their hard work."

Head teacher Claire Robins added: "With the increase in the number of unconditional offers from universities this year, we wondered whether there might be an impact on students’ results. However we are very pleased that students have clearly still applied themselves to achieve grades of which they can be really proud. They are a great year groups and we wish them every success."

At Beaumont School, head teacher Martin Atkinson congratulated jubilant students and staff celebrating another year of record ‘A’ level results.

He said: "It’s particularly rewarding that so many students have reached or surpassed their aspirations, with our highest ever number of top grades and a record average points score per student’.

Head of sixth form Paul de Kort praised the hard work of this year’s cohort who are the first to tackle the challenging new ‘A’ level structure.

He said: "Many students achieved straight A or A* grades, earning them places at a wide range of prestigious universities on highly competitive courses."

There were lots of cheers and celebrations at Marlborough as students celebrated results reflecting two years of focused study and commitment.

Head teacher Annie Thomson said: "We congratulate our students who have secured themselves fantastic apprenticeship opportunities and for those students who are going on to employment we wish them every success too.

"We say this every year but I also want to express enormous gratitude to the staff and parents who have supported students/children through increasingly difficult exams with humour, talent and resilience.

"We can confidently say that there are 92 kind, hard working, dignified and well-rounded young people on their way to make positive contributions to all aspects of life."