Schools across Camden, Haringey and Barnet are celebrating A-level exam success - with delighted students taking places at some of the country’s top universities.

Nervous students picked up their results this morning and were rewarded with a record number of top grades.

This generation of pupils at Highgate School topped the charts with a record number of A* grades - with some 26 per cent of all papers marked at the highest grade.

More than half of students had coveted A* grades and 13 students got a full house of three of four straight A* grades.

Highgate headmaster, Adam Pettitt, said: “While we all, schools and newspapers, look at percentages and averages, what matters most is individual outcomes, and I congratulate all our leavers on their results.

“They have taken the challenges of the more demanding A-level syllabuses in their stride and done brilliantly at all levels.”

At University College School (UCS) in Hampstead a tenth of A-level pupils received three or more A*s and some 44 per cent achieved three or more A*-A grade results.

Among the success stories are 20 UCS pupils who have secured places at Oxford and Cambridge universities next year.

New UCS headteacher Mark Beard said: “I am delighted with our pupils’ achievements this year in both public examinations and university placements.

“These successes demonstrate the hard work and dedication of both our pupils and our excellent teaching staff.

“I congratulate each of them today on their hard-earned successes.”

Camden School for Girls were not far behind with 14 pupils securing Oxbridge places.

Headteacher Elizabeth Kitcatt said: “These are exceptionally strong results, reflecting extremely hard work by students and teachers, and consistent support from parents.

“Our students are ambitious and determined to achieve to the best of their ability, and these grades demonstrate that their effort and dedication over challenging two year courses have been worthwhile.”

At LaSwap in Camden, London’s longest-standing consortium of sixth forms made up of La Sainte Union, William Ellis, Acland Burghley and Parliament Hill, the A-level pass rate matched the national average of 98 per cent, with an A* pass rate of six per cent.

Acland Burghley headteacher Jo Armitage said: “We are again so proud of LaSwap students – they have worked creatively and determinedly to achieve these results.

“So many of them have also undertaken work placements relevant to their university ambitions and some have also held down part-time jobs. They absolutely deserve their success today.”

At Regent High School in Camden 90 per cent of sixth formers have been offered places on their chosen university courses.

Headteacher Rosemary Leeke said: “Regent High School has seen accelerated and impressive progress in recent years and we are confident our success story will continue in the years to come.”

Meanwhile at Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb just over 60 per cent of students scored A* or A grades and two sets of twins got full sets of A*s or As.

Staff and pupils were also celebrating at King Alfred independent school in Golders Green.

Headteacher Dawn Moore, said: “We are pleased for our students and what they have achieved this year.

“They have performed well, with most being accepted by the university of their choice, and the results are a testament to their hard work, the strength of teaching and the very unique experience that our vibrant sixth form offers.

“Their achievements show that academic success can be attained within an informal, non-pressured and nurturing environment.

“I congratulate all our students and look forward to hearing of their future successes.”

* For more extensive coverage of this year’s A-level results, including full results tables, see our special eight-page supplement in next week’s Ham&High.