A school followed its good Ofsted rating and good A-level results with a predictably good set of GCSE results.

Students at Townsend School achieved above national averages in all the key measures despite joining the school with below average prior attainment.

The high percentage of students who achieved all grade 8 or 9 was a cause for celebration at the school, in High Oaks, St Albans, yesterday.

Assistant head teacher Jonathan Buckland said: “These exceptional results for our school continue to show that Townsend is a very good school. That the progress of all learners, regardless of their starting point, is so strong is always pleasing and the most important measure for our school.

"That said the high percentage of students obtaining exclusively the top grades proves once again that this is also a school where the most able can flourish in a kind and supportive environment”.