THE new A* grade in A-level did not seem to be causing too much trouble in North London today as reports of several students getting top grades across the board flooded in. Several schools including Highgate, UCS and Henrietta Barnett were celebrating pu

THE new A* grade in A-level did not seem to be causing too much trouble in North London today as reports of several students getting top grades across the board flooded in.

Several schools including Highgate, UCS and Henrietta Barnett were celebrating pupils who got more than four of the new grades - designed to help universities in selecting the best pupils.

The North London situation follows national reports this morning that double the number of A* grades have been awarded than expected.

Some critics have questioned the value of the A* grade and say its invention shows the need for a wider transformation of the British examination system.

However, questions of educational reform were rightly far from the minds of Camden, Barnet, Westminster and Haringey's top students and delighted teachers this morning.

At Henrietta Barnett school, where one pupil earned five A*s and six students earned four of the top grades, headteacher Oliver Blond was ecstatic.

"The pupils, parents and staff of The Henrietta Barnett School are delighted with the A level results announced today," he said.

"These are a fantastic set of results for our students and they reflect a great deal of hard work and commitment."

Su Ying Yeoh achieved five A levels at the new A* grade.

The six girls earning four of the top grades were Rachel Cochrane, Kam Pou Ha, Nellie Orlova, Harshini Pindolia, Maithreyi Raghu and Rachna Vyas.

39.3% of all grades achieved at the school were at the new A* level.

And in Max Jamilly Highgate School had its own dazzling success story. Max gained five A* grades in maths, further maths, chemistry, physics and Russian as well as an A in French which he took when he was 16 years old.

Max is due to take up a place at Cambridge University.

Highgate headteacher Adam Pettitt said: “I am delighted by the results in the first year of the A*s. I am very proud of the pupils and staff who have done it. I may complain, chivvy and chase but it is a really good day to be a teacher.”