The changes imposed by the government have had a “detrimental” effect on this year’s GCSE results at Helena Romanes School, according to the headteacher, but he is optimistic that there will be improvements next term.

The school, in Parsonage Downs, experienced a drop from 75 per cent of pupils achieving five or more A* - C grades to 62 per cent, while only 57 per cent of students received an A* - C in maths and English - down from 63 per cent in 2013.

However, Headteacher Simon Knight, is hopeful that the school will improve next year.

He said: “We always expected this to be a challenging year and it has proved to be so. We were quietly optimistic, but the late changes imposed by the government have had a detrimental impact on attainment.

“However we are confident that with the changes we have introduced we will see an improvement next year. I am still proud of the efforts of our staff and our students who continue to demonstrate a positive approach to their studies.”

Despite the drop in grades, there were still plenty of smiles at the school this morning (Thursday). Top achieving pupils included twin brothers Charles and George Dodd, who got 12 A*s between them, 11 As and one B.

Thomas Gilbert gained three A*s, two As, one B and one C meanwhile Amy Gold got three A*s, four As and two Bs. And Millie Tyler was celebrating one A*, four as and four Bs.