GCSE results day can be a stressful, cheerful, sad or joyous occasion for many students.
Opening an envelope to discover one's grades can shape the future of pupils, and dictate what they go on to do with their lives.
Today (Thursday, August 24), Year 11 students across St Albans and Harpenden have been opening their envelopes, with a wide-range of emotions.
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Here's some of the highlights from the day:
St Albans
Verulam School
We are immensely proud of their accomplishments. (Image: Verulam School)
Verulam School's headteacher, Julie Richardson, said: "Students have shown great resilience, dedication and determination this year.
"We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and we would like to congratulate everyone in Year 11 and hope to see them in September in the Sixth Form."
St Albans Girls' School
We are excited to see what happens next. (Image: St Albans Girls' School)
Mrs Chapman, executive headteacher at STAGS, commented: “Enormous praise goes to our wonderful STAGS students for their fabulous achievements.
"However, this would not have been possible without the fantastic support of parents and teachers who provided continuous cajoling, nurturing, guidance and at times a good talking to!"
Beaumont School
All smiles at Beaumont School. (Image: Beaumont School)
Beaumont School's headteacher, Martin Atkinson, said: "I am delighted that our students have matched the very high standards set by previous cohorts.
"We are looking forward to starting the new term with our largest Sixth Form ever."
Samuel Ryder Academy
Students receiving their results at Samuel Ryder Academy. (Image: Samuel Ryder Academy)
Mr Coy, Samuel Ryder Academy's deputy head, said: "We are delighted that our students have surpassed the high standards set by previous cohorts and secured an excellent set of results.
"These results are a testament to their hard work, talent, dedicated teachers and supportive parents."
St Albans High School for Girls
'An excellent set of GCSE results'. (Image: St Albans High School for Girls)
Amber Waite, St Albans High School for Girls head, commented: "Our Year 11 pupils received an excellent set of GCSE results today and they are now ready to take on the new challenges offered at Sixth Form.
"They have worked tirelessly over the past few years, and their tenacity and perseverance has definitely paid off."
Marlborough Science Academy
TMSA are very proud of our students' accomplishments. (Image: The Marlborough Science Academy)
A spokesperson for The Marlborough Science Academy (TMSA) said: "A massive well done to our Year 11 students who received their GCSE results this morning.
"TMSA are very proud of our students' accomplishments and congratulate them all."
Sandringham School
Well done everyone. (Image: Sandringham School)
Sandringham School headteacher, Alan Gray, said: "We are really proud of all our students today.
"They have been incredibly supportive of each other throughout and embraced not only their studies but also the wider aspects of the curriculum."
Townsend C of E School
We are very pleased with their achievement. (Image: Townsend C of E School)
Mr Buckland, the school's headteacher, said: "‘We have had some truly outstanding results.
"Students have worked very hard to get the grades they wanted.
"We are very pleased with their achievement."
St Columba's College
The staff take great delight in their accomplishments. (Image: St Columba's College)
A spokesperson for St Columba's College said: "The GCSE results at St Columba’s College are impressive across the board and provide testimony to the hard work and dedication of all the students.
"A fifth of all results were awarded grade 9s."
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School
Another year of excellent academic and personal achievements. (Image: Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School)
Nicholas Breakspear Catholic School's headteacher, Declan Linnane, commented: “I would like to congratulate all our students on their excellent GCSE results.
"They have worked extremely hard and these results are a tribute to their commitment, resilience and support for one another."
Loreto College
We are very proud of all their achievements. (Image: Loreto College)
Mrs Lucy Thompson, headteacher of Loreto College said: "A huge congratulations to our Year 11 students at Loreto College.
"We are very proud of all their achievements.
"37 per cent of all grades achieved were level 7-9."
Harpenden
Sir John Lawes School
We are delighted with our results this year at Sir John Lawes. (Image: Sir John Lawes School)
Philip Newbery, headteacher of Sir John Lawes School, said: "We are delighted with our results this year at Sir John Lawes.
"Student outcomes have remained high and the hall was full of happy faces."
Roundwood Park School
Mia Hart-Gray, Ruby Onyuma & Ella Birkwood. (Image: Roundwood Park School)
Roundwood Park School's headteacher said: "I'm so proud of them for all of their hard work and for achieving their potential whilst showing remarkable resilience.
"They will go on to the next phase of their lives as confident, capable young people with a passion to make a positive difference in the world."
Community contributions
Imad Syed
Imad Syed, from St Albans School. (Image: Nehar Syed)
Imad Syed, a student from St Albans School, received all Grade 9s in his GCSEs.
His mother told The Herts Advertiser: "We are very proud of him."
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