Teenagers across the borough are in high spirits after receiving their A-level results.

Students gathered at their schools early this morning to rip open their envelopes and find out if they have made it into their first choice universities.

Many teachers are reporting record pass rates this year, with the majority of pupils achieving A* to C grades.

King Alfred School, in Manor Wood, Barnet, beat last year’s results after 41 per cent of students gained A* to A grades – in comparison to last year’s figure of 39 per cent.

A total of 92 per cent of pupils achieved grades A* to C, with 100 per cent getting at least A* to E grades.

Headteacher Dawn Moore said: “The students should be incredibly proud of their hard work, they are a pleasing set of results and the majority have a place at their chosen universities.”

Pupils at St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School, in Nether Street, achieved 88 per cent A* to B grades, with 34 students gaining three or more A grades and above.

Over at Copthall School, four times the number of students achieved A* this year compared to last year, meaning the school is improving faster than the national average.

More than 40 per cent of grades were A* to B, with one in four students achieving at least one A* or A grade. Queen Elizabeth Boy’s School, in Queens Road, Barnet, saw 96 per cent of its students receiving A* to B.

Among the 471 A-levels taken at the school there were only a handful of C grades, and almost all the year 13 leavers will go on to take up places at leading universities.

A total of 37 boys have been offered a place at Oxford or Cambridge.

Headmaster Neil Enright said: “We try to inspire a love of learning in the boys, rather than merely training them to pass examinations.

“We strongly encourage all our boys to broaden their horizons by engaging in school activities outside the classroom and many of our highest achievers are also heavily involved in sport, the performing arts or in other QE clubs and societies.”

A total of 98 per cent of North London Collegiate School pupils in Cannons Drive, Edgware, achieved A* to B grades.

Figures show 86 per cent of students achieved A* to A and 46 per cent of pupils achieved A*s.

North London Collegiate School’s senior deputy headteacher Matthew Shoults said: “Our students are consistently among the very highest-achieving students in the country across A-level. We are delighted with the success that they have achieved once again this year.

“Their determination and drive, along with support from their teachers, has led to thoroughly deserved places at Oxford, Cambridge and other prestigious universities. It is clear how much students benefit from having passionate teachers with a real love of subject.

“We congratulate them warmly on their results and wish them every success for the future.”