PUPILS at Camden School for Girls gave their new headteacher the perfect end to her first term in charge with more than half of A-level exams graded A* or A. Elizabeth Kitcatt only took over the helm at the Camden school this year and she said she was mor

PUPILS at Camden School for Girls gave their new headteacher the perfect end to her first term in charge with more than half of A-level exams graded A* or A.

Elizabeth Kitcatt only took over the helm at the Camden school this year and she said she was more than happy with the improvement in results on previous years.

"I am absolutely delighted," she said.

"What we are particularly pleased about is that we have 17% of exams at A*. The students have worked hard and embraced the A-levels which is what it's all about.

"I couldn't hope for a better set of results in my first term."

One pupil who aimed to show that determination is the key to success is Mamun Hassan who gained an A* in maths and three As in further maths, English and history.

"I came from one of the worst schools in London where only 26% of students get five A-C grades at GCSE but I got nine A*s and three As which were the best results they had ever had," he said.

"There was more competition when I moved here but it just made me want to do better.

"My dad always said it's not about the school, it's about you. As long as you try hard that's what matters."

Mamun is going to study economics at LSE where he will be joined by classmate Aisha Doherty, who will study geography after gaining three A*s in history, English and geography, as well as an A in classics.

She said: "I'm shocked - I thought I was going to get Bs or Cs. I had resigned myself to those grades and decided that whatever happens, happens.

"I'm really looking forward to celebrating. It's such a relief."

Dot Davies also exceeded expectations with two A*s in English literature and biology, and an A in chemistry to gain a place studying medicine at Bristol.

"I applied for medicine and didn't get any offers but Bristol said I was on their reserve list," she said.

"Then this morning I got a call at 9am saying I had been given a place.

"I thought I was going to get Bs so I'm really surprised at the way it worked out.