THE anxious wait for A-level students ended this morning with pupils across the borough receiving their results.

Sixth-formers from Borehamwood’s Hertswood School, in Thrift Farm Lane, queued at the school gates to await their fates.

The number of pupils gaining A and B grades increased from 23 per cent last year to 30 per cent this year.

James Wood, assistant head of Hertswood’s sixth form, said: “It is a fantastic set of results and it shows the way in which students and teachers have worked together to get to such achievements.

“Year 12 have made a great improvement and overall the sixth form have been working in the right direction.

“We’re here to motivate the students and often they are the first members of their family to go to university so it’s a great thing to see.

“The school is a community and the point of it is the achievement but not just the A and B grades but for pupils to learn and work with each other to get to their goals.”

The average point score for students increased from 181 last year to 186.83 and boys outperformed girls by having an average points score of 191.36 compared to 182.53.

Rigers Cama, 18, received four A grades and one B grade and will be studying biochemistry at University College London.

He said: “I am really excited about going to university. I was both nervous and excited this morning waiting to come in and get the results.

"The work has been worth it and my family are really happy, which is great.”

Paras Shah, 18, received two A and one B grade as well as a distinction for business studies.

He said: “I’m pleased with my grades and can now go on to do mechanical engineering at Brunel University.

“I called my parents first to tell them and they are very proud so I’m happy.”

Sian Woolcott, 18, got two A grades for Law and Psychology, a B for Geography and a C for Maths.

She said: “I’m really happy with my results. I wanted to do a maths degree originally but during my school year I re-considered this and so I will have to see now what and where I am going to go.

“I was tired and nervous waiting this morning but glad I’ve got the grades now.”

The University of Hertfordshire has seen a rise in applicants for degree courses but is still encouraging potential students to get in touch after they get A-level results today.

Ross Renton, head of recruitment and access, said: “We are thrilled to see a significant increase in applicants to the University of Hertfordshire this year. This reflects the second-to-none investment we have made in student services, facilities and the overall student experience.

"While we have some degree courses which are fully subscribed, we still have places on courses either through clearing or adjustment. It is important for students to aspire to furthering their studies – a degree is still a highly valued and important qualification."

“Adjustment” is a new admissions system to complement the clearing process for people who do better than expected in A-levels.

The University of Hertfordshire’s clearing hotline is 01707 284848.