St Albans High School (STAHS) is celebrating fantastic results, with 16 pupils achieving straight A* grades (three of those achieved four A* grades). 100% of our Oxbridge pupils have been accepted onto their chosen course and we’ve had excellent outcomes for our medicine, veterinary and dental offer holders.

In a year where examinations were cancelled, pupils’ hard work across the two years was recognised through the submission of centre assessment grades (CAGs). Examination boards standardised these grades against the national cohort and through the use of the School’s historic results as part of their algorithm to produce the final awarded grades. The School was diligent and clinical in calculating these CAGs, following the protocols put in place by Ofqual to the letter. We feel confident that the CAGs we submitted to the examination boards were a true and realistic reflection of our pupils’ expected A Level outcomes, and we provided pupils with their CAGs alongside their exam board-awarded results.

Summary of STAHS A Level results as issued by exam boards:

• Just under 30% of all grades awarded were an A*
• 65% of all grades awarded were an A* or A
• 86% of all grades awarded were between an A* and a B

Most of our leavers are now preparing for the next stage of their journey as they take up their offers for higher education. The vast majority of pupils have accepted their first-choice university offer. We are so proud of what they have achieved, particularly in these challenging times.

The whole year group deserves the greatest level of praise for its positive approach to this highly unusual final year of school – whatever happens next, the Class of 2020 will forever be the ‘Lockdown Leavers'!

Amber Waite, STAHS Head, commented: “I am delighted that STAHS pupils have had such positive outcomes in terms of gaining excellent places at university. They have been the absolute model of STAHS values, demonstrating perseverance, positivity, good humour and above all, an excellent sense of perspective. I am so very proud of them all, and wish them the very best of luck for their very exciting futures!”