Despite all the interruptions and distractions of the pandemic, Surbiton High School’s sixth-formers have again achieved a tremendous set of A-level results.

Every student achieved their first-choice university, including this quintet (above) who achieved straight A* results.

“They’ve studied through one of the most challenging and disruptive times in education, and we are immensely proud of the resilience they have shown throughout their A-level courses,” said principal Rebecca Glover. “The commitment of our pupils to their studies and the dedication of our staff leaves me in awe.”

With robust testing procedures and assessed coursework, the sixth-formers’ grades were achieved without sitting through formal exams, but examination board sampling ensured accuracy.

More than 90% will now go on to study at Russell Group, or Times Top Ten, universities in September, with the remaining students heading off to read Art or Design. Ten students will study dentistry, medical or veterinary science, and eight have accepted places at Oxford or Cambridge.

“This year group have demonstrated an immense amount of resilience, adaptability and self-discipline to remain on track and this will pave the way for their future success,” added the principal.

London led the way for regional results in England, with 47.9% of sixth-formers gaining either A or A* grades – up from 40.7% last year. The North East of England, by comparison, achieved 39.2%.

Announcing the results, the Joint Council for Qualifications praised the resilience of students, teachers and heads. “Teachers used their professional judgement and submitted grades and evidence in time for us to check and award grades,” said director general Dr Philip Wright.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson has said he hopes schools will quickly return to the normal pattern of A-level exams, but concedes that the pandemic’s impact will not have disappeared by next summer.

Shadow Education Secretary Kate Green says that the government has let down young people by creating “an unforgiveable climate of uncertainty and chaos”, and failing to learn from last summer’s results confusion.