Bancroft’s School in Woodford Green bucked the national trend of falling A* and A grades on A-level results day.

Of all A-levels taken at the High Road school, more than a quarter (27.7 per cent) resulted in A* grades, a three per cent rise on the school’s performance last year.

That compared favourably with the national rate of 7.9 per cent and the number of A level exams achieving A* or A grades (68.4 per cent) bettered the national figure of 26.6 per cent.

The share of A-level entries getting A* or A fell by 0.4 per cent nationally compared with last year.

Ben Yelverton was the school’s highest-achieving student with 5 A*s.

He will read natural sciences at St Catherine’s College, Cambridge.

He said: “I was certainly aiming for top grades, but would never have expected to gain A*s in all five of my subjects.”

A further three pupils, Lorcan Murphy, Alison Harvey and Stephanie Posner, received 4 A*s.

Harriet Bartlett achieved 3 A*s and an A and will take veterinary science at University of Cambridge.

Twelve students achieved the grades they needed to go Oxford or Cambridge.

Alison Harvey said: “I just couldn’t believe it when I saw my results.

“I thought that they must have come to the wrong person.”

Head teacher Mary Ireland said: “We are delighted that this year’s Bancroftians have been so well rewarded for their efforts.

“I am sure that they recognise the huge contribution made by their committed teachers.”