Rising to the challenge of tougher new GCSEs, South Hampstead pupils and staff were celebrating another year of “exceptional results” across the board this morning – and the school’s second best ever percentage of top grades (A*/9/8s).

Ham & High: Headmistress Vicky Bingham congratulates pupils on their results this morning. For the second year in a row, over 70% of entries were awarded the top grades (A*/9/8s). Photo by SHHSHeadmistress Vicky Bingham congratulates pupils on their results this morning. For the second year in a row, over 70% of entries were awarded the top grades (A*/9/8s). Photo by SHHS (Image: Archant)

For the second year running, more than 70per cent of entries were awarded the top grades: 71pc achieved A*/9/8s and 53pc of entries were awarded A*s or the new very highest grade 9. In a year group of 97 girls, ten students gained at a clean sweep of straight 9/A* grades. 25 students achieved at least nine or more 9s/A*s; one student achieved twelve 9/A* grades, plus a distinction in further maths, a subject that many South Hampstead pupils take as an additional qualification.

Highlights among the reformed subjects using the new numerical grading system included mathematics and other STEM subjects: 53pc of mathematics entries were awarded the very highest new grade 9, along with 45pc of biology, 43pc of chemistry and 41pc of physics entries. The girls also performed well across the arts & humanities, with impressive results in subjects where pupils still receive alphabetical grades: 83pc of English literature, 71pc of history and 88pc of Latin entries were awarded A*s.

Headmistress, Vicky Bingham, said: “I’m delighted for the girls – they’ve put in a lot of hard work and shown a great deal of energy and resilience to tackle these rigorous new exams, whilst maintaining a healthy sense of perspective.”