A-level results day was full of smiles and success stories for students across St Albans and Harpenden.
From students heading to Oxbridge to a Ukranian refugee overcoming adversity to achieve her dreams, here's a look back on the day.
Beaumont School, St Albans
Beaumont School celebrated a record set of A-level results, with eight students going to Oxford or Cambridge.
Headteacher Martin Atkinson said: "It’s particularly rewarding that so many students have reached or surpassed their aspirations, with our highest ever number of top exam grades across an expanding range of subjects."
Students heading to Oxbridge include Ben, studying history, Polina, studying medicine and Fatima, studying politics, philosophy and economics.
Sir John Lawes School, Harpenden
At Sir John Lawes School eight students secured places at Oxford or Cambridge, with nine receiving three A* grades.
Headteacher Phil Newbury said: "There were lots of happy faces as Sir John Lawes students collected their A-level results this morning.
"A-level’s are a gateway to further education, and we are delighted to say that a record number of students achieved their first choice University or Apprenticeship place.
Verulam School, St Albans
Verulam School's new headteacher Fergal Moane was 'delighted' by the results his pupils achieved this year.
Mr Moane said: “We are very proud of this group of students who have had to cope with disruption to their education due to the pandemic but they have worked hard and achieved highly.
"We are delighted that the vast majority have received the offers they wanted for university or other next steps."
Success stories include Rishabh Heerah (chemistry, Durham) , Tom Mitchell (Geography, Sheffield) and Michael Broderick (Cybersecurity, Hertfordshire).
Samuel Ryder Academy
Samuel Ryder Academy had plenty to celebrate, with five students receiving all A* or A grades.
They are: Alfie, who will be studying maths at Warwick University, James, who will be studying maths at York University, Beth, who will be studying geography at Leeds University, Anne, who will be studying biology at York University and Mal, who will be studying physics at University College London.
Kyle Barry, head of school, said: “We are incredibly proud of all our students—their reputations as a hardworking, conscientious and caring cohort has been demonstrated today.
"We wish them all the success for the future and hope they stay in touch."
Roundwood Park School, Harpenden
There were also lots of celebrations at Roundwood Park School.
Headteacher Alan Henshall said: "We are proud of each and every student, no matter what their destination. They have achieved great results from very different starting points.
"I want to pay tribute to the amazing staff of Roundwood Park School who have worked with them and been with them every step of the way and also the parents and carers who have supported the school and the students. "
St Albans Girls' School
It was an excellent year for St Albans' Girls School, with six students getting three A*'s and many more heading some of the best universities in the country.
"Their dedication to learning over the past seven years at STAGS has been rewarded and ensures a wonderful foundation for their futures.
"We wish all of our students every success, and know that they will flourish in all they do.
Townsend Church of England School, St Albans
Average grades improved across the board at Townsend CoE School.
Alfie, Anna, Callum, Charlotte, Harry, Lola, Mia, Millie and Yana were highlighted as the top performers for this year.
Sandringham School, St Albans
An incredibly impressive set of results at Sandringham School, where almost 80 students received all A or A* grades in their exams.
Headteacher Alan Gray, said: "We were delighted with the outcomes once again with over 260 students receiving good news, many with truly exceptional results. It was lovely seeing them celebrate their achievements with so many meeting or exceeding their aspirations."
A plethora of students are heading to Oxbridge, including Jack, studying biochemistry at Oxford, Annabel, studying politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford, Alika, studying law at Cambridge and Isabel, studying English at Cambridge.
St Albans School
At St Albans School 70 per cent of A-levels taken were graded at an A* or an A.
Headmaster Jonathan Gillespie said: “Overall these are a superb set of results from a year group that has displayed strong commitment to their academic studies and to our wide-ranging co-curricular programme in equal measure.
"I offer my warm congratulations to them on their achievements in all areas during their time at the School and, today especially, on the outstanding A Level results that many have achieved."
Marlborough Science Academy, St Albans
Marlborough Science Academy has had a good year, with students set to study at universities including Oxford, Leeds, Durham, Bristol, Surrey and Birmingham.
"With the support of their families, dedicated teachers, resilience, curiosity and hard graft, they have done brilliantly!
"We wish them every success as they head off on the next stages of their learning journey’s including our highest numbers yet, going off to Oxford and other universities in the Russell Group."
St Columba's College, St Albans
St Columba's College announced A-level results that are at a ten-year high.
Success stories include Michael (aerospace engineering, Bristol) , Katie (politics and international relations, Birmingham) and Josh (engineering, Bristol).
"St Columba’s College is not only proud of these high achievements that our students have obtained, but also delighted that these young people leave us as world ready learners.
"Once again, our results have improved year on year, and our students now embark on high-level, undergraduate courses at the top universities across the country."
St Albans High School for Girls
St Albans High School for Girls (STAHS) announced a strong set of A-level results with 83 per cent of students accepting offers at their first choice university.
11 students received three or more A* grades and just over half got at least one A or A* grade.
Nine will be heading to Oxbridge, including Emily who got four A*'s and will be studying natural sciences at Cambridge.
Special mention also goes to Daria, who joined in Year 12 having moved from Ukraine. She gained four A-levels, including an A* in psychology, a subject she will now study at Kings College London.
"They’ve worked incredibly hard over the past several years to reach this point, and they have certainly earned the right to celebrate today!"
Nicholas Breakspear School, St Albans
Students at Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School have plenty to smile about after an impressive set of results.
Among those celebrating is Trisha Rebello, who received an A* and two A's and is off to University College London to study psychology.
Twin sisters Jada and Jade Okedare achieved 5 A grades and a B between them, and will both be studying pharmacy at Nottingham.
Headteacher Declan Linnane said: "Our students should be proud of themselves as they have shown remarkable resilience and tenacity to deliver exceptional results.
"The entire community should take pride in these achievements. As our students move forward, they do so as well-rounded individuals, prepared for the next exciting phase of their lives.”
Loreto College, St Albans
Finally, there was plenty to celebrate at Loreto College on results day.
Anna Ewer achieved two A's and an A*, earning a place studying English literature at Oxford University.
Niamh Darcy-Salinger achieved a double distinction in her business BTEC and will be taking up an apprenticeship.
"Of all A-level grades attained, 50 per cent were at grades A* - B which is a fantastic achievement. 67 per cent of BTEC students achieved Distinction*/ Distinction."
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