North Bridge House celebrated a surge in A* GCSEs this year.

Pupils at the independent school, in Rosslyn Hill, Hampstead, achieved A*s and As in 49 per cent of subjects studied, up 10 per cent from last year.

There was also an increase in the percentage of pupils achieving five A* to C grades, including maths and English, from 80 per cent last year to 91 per cent this year.

Among the top performers were Katie Baxter, Bryony Gretton and Alex Smith, all 16, who got 24 A*s and five As between them.

Katie, of Euston, who got nine A*s and is set to study A-levels at Henrietta Barnett School in Hampstead Garden Suburb, said: “I was not expecting this at all. I felt ambiguous about all of them, especially maths. I thought I’d be lucky to get a B in maths.

“I went through a bit of an anxiety stage and got really nervous but I’m really happy it turned out alright in the end.”

Alex, a sea cadet, who lives in Islington, celebrated seven A*s and three As and is heading to City of London School for his A-levels.

He said: “I’m pretty happy. I want to join the Merchant Navy. I like the water and want a career in the water.”

Bryony, who lives in Queen’s Park and hopes to move to Highgate School to study for her A-levels, is contemplating a career in medicine after obtaining eight A*s and two As.

“I had no idea I’d do so well,” she said. “I’m probably going to go home and lie down!”

Headteacher Georgina Masefield said: “I am absolutely delighted to see our students rewarded for their incredible hard work throughout their time at North Bridge House.

“The combined academic and creative success of this year’s cohort is a real testament to the range of talents we aim to nurture through our diverse curriculum.

“I am so proud of our students’ achievements and it is very exciting to think of the bright futures they each have ahead of them. I wish them the very best of luck at their new sixth forms.”