TEENAGERS at Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College were among the 600,000 students picking up their GSCE results this morning.

Almost one in five students across the UK picked up a grade A* or A - up 0.4 per cent from last year.

Nationally girls still outshine the boys in almost every subject, but boys continue to catch up. In grades A* to C, the gap narrowed by 0.6 percentage points. Speaking on Thursday morning, Headteacher Jacqui Verrall paid tribute to her students for all the hard work they had put into passing their exams..

She also praised her staff for giving students their unwavering support in the run up to the exams, saying: "We had students waiting outside the school from 9.30am, but we were ready for them. We are very pleased with their results. There has been absolute euphoria in here this morning.

"The majority of students have done really well. We've gone up by five per cent on the number of student's gaining A*s to C grades this year. We've also closed the gap between boys attainment and girls attainment by over 10 per cent - there's only a four per cent gap now.

"They were having lessons right up until their exams and they were attended revision sessions during the school holidays. They've put in the work and gained the results.There's been lots of shrieking and tears and there's a queue of students waiting to finalise their sixth-form places. "

Across the UK, results in both English and Maths improved slightly, with more pupils scoring at least a grade C than last year. In English, the number of papers graded from A* to C went up from 61.6 per cent to 62.2 per cent. And for maths, the proportion rose from 54.3 per cent to 55.2 per cent.

Shikha Patel, of Borehamwood, picked up her results from the Drakes Drive school surrounded by friends. The 16-year-old scooped three grade A's in Maths, Arts and English Literature; grade B's in Science and Geography and a C in French.

She said: "I'm happy with my A's because I'm taking those subjects at A-Level at St Albans Girls School in September. I don't start for another two weeks, so I've got a bit of a break now."

Rhea Cartwright, of Hatfield, was really pleased with her results, picking up five A's in Geography, English Language and Literature, French, Maths. She also picked up B grades in Dance and Science.

The 16-year-old said: "I didn't really expect to get Bs in Science, I thought I would get Cs. I'm staying on here to do A-Level French, Maths, English Literature and Law."

Youngster of the group, 15-year-old Alisha Chambers, gained three As in English Language, Literature and Drama. She got Bs in Science, Art, History and Maths, and a distinction in ICT.

"I called my mum and sister, and they're both really pleased. I've got the highest grades in my family. " said Alisha, who plans to take A-Level Drama, Maths, English Literature, Law and Critical Thinking at Sandringham sixth form, in St Albans.

"I'm just going to hang out with my friends this afternoon and then I'm going out for a meal with my family tonight.

Bilingual Repha Islam is staying on at the college's sixth form to study A-Level Law, Psychology, English Literature and Biology. The 16-year-old, who lives in St Albans, picked up two A*s in English Language and History; A's in Geography and Science; a B in Maths; a C in Bengali and a distinction in ICT.

She said: "I can't believe it. I didn't think I would do this well at all. I'm just so excited - I'm going out with my mates to celebrate."

After a sleepless night, Amy Wells, 16, proved she had nothing to worry about by achieving an A* in Art, A's in Science; French; Maths and PE; and Bs in English Language and Literature. She will also be furthering her education at the college's sixth-form where she will take A-Level French, Art, Maths and Biology.

She said: "I didn't think I would get an A in Science and I definitely didn't think I would get any A*s. I was really worried about my results last night, but its all worked out well."

SCHOOL MATES Adam, Stan and Jack were literally jumping for joy when they picked up their GCSE results today. The trio, who took their exams at Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College, gained grades A to E in their chosen subjects.

Adam Tomlinson, of Borehamwood, scooped six C's in Business, Science, Maths, English Language and Literature. The 16-year-old, who wants to be an electrical engineer, also gained a B in PE and an E in Resistance Materials. He will continue his studies at West Herts College, in Watford where he will take a Level Two Electrical Installation course.

Stan Williams, 16, of St Albans, picked up a fantastic seven A's in Business, Science, English Language and Literature, History and Maths.

"I'm really pleased with my results," he said. "I spent all summer thinking about my results, so its great to finally get them. I tried not to think about it last and just watched the football. I've just called my dad, who is on holiday in France, he was very pleased."

Stan also achieved a B in PE and will take A-Level History, English Literature, Maths, Business and Economics at Sandringham sixth-form.

Sixteen-year-old Jack Freeman, who picked up an A in English Language, said: "I can party now without feeling guilty.

"I'm really looking forward to going into sixth form with most of my mates. But right now I'm looking forward to my holiday in Devon - just a long weekend away with my mates."

Jack, of London Colney, also gained Bs in Science, English Literature and Maths, and a C in History. He will take A-Level Photography and PE at Francis Bacon Maths and Computing College, in Drakes Drive, St Albans.