Individual performances included: Emily Firmston and Yan Qin both gained A* in five subjects. Emily is intending to read Law with Spanish law at Oxford and Yan will read Economics at Cambridge Louise Campion, Yasmin Lawal and Megan Hughes each gained A* in four subjects.

Last year’s pass rate was nearly 98 per cent – with 27 per cent of all exams a grade A.

Sam will go on to Cambridge University on a choral scholarship at Robinson College.

Henrietta Demain, who was treated for cancer during her A-levels, and Prianca Sawney, who battled health problems and bereavement, now face a year-long wait before they can follow their dreams.