The independent King Alfred's School in Golders Green celebrated some outstanding results too. 

Alana was one - she  achieved 9s in all subjects and was rightfully thrilled, saying: “I feel very relieved and happy with what I’ve got. I don’t think I could have achieved these results at a different kind of school, there would have been too much pressure."  

Other top performers include Josh - “I feel really good about my results – it’s what I wanted so I’m happy" - and Phoenix. Phoenix added; “I’m pleased with what I’ve got but it feels strange because there was no exam, I would have liked the chance to prove myself in an exam."

Headteacher  Robert Lobatto said “This year group are very dedicated and talented students who richly deserve these results. 

"The fact our teachers know every student so well meant they were very confident in determining the grades and had the exams taken place I am sure they would have done equally well. I congratulate all our GCSE students and can’t wait to see what they can achieve at A level.” 

Sevgul Oznannimlar wept when she received her results. She told this newspaper how pleased she had been. She said: "Of course there's some stuff I could have been better in, but I'm so surprised by my grades. I'm so glad my teachers had faith in me."

Sevgul, who joined the school at the end of year 7 said she hoped to go into medicine or veterinary medicine after her A Levels, which she's taking at B6 sixth form. 

She added: "It's something I have passionate about since I was young and I have always wanted to work in a medical field. I was really worried about passing science, because with it being teachers' grades it's hard to know how you will do."

Meanwhile acting headteacher Angela Rooke said: "We’ve supported and cared for the students over their 5 years with us and could not be more proud that they have results that truly reflect their journeys over that period of time."

Click here for our write-up of today's GCSE results from Acland Burghley, William Ellis and UCL Academy. 

Some incredible students who will go on to do great things. 

At University College School in Hampstead, 19 pupils achieved straight 9 grades and 53 pupils recorded a set of results including only 8s and 9s. 

Pupils studying English language, English literature, German, Ancient Greek, Mandarin, music, DT and drama all achieved at least a grade 7.

Mark Beard, UCS Hampstead's headteacher, said: "I am delighted for the pupils after what has been an extremely challenging period. 

"They worked so hard throughout their GCSE courses and did so whilst fully committing to the UCS’s impressive cultural, sporting and performing arts scenes. I hope they are proud of these results."

Alice Jones and Lauren Joubert were another pair delighted with some great grades. 

Alice said: "I was very shocked, but very happy." The teenager - whose grades includes six 7s,  said she was most happy with geography and history. She plans to continue both at Alexandra Park sixth form next month. 

Lauren said: "I did a lot better than I had expected. I wasn't expecting to get higher than sixes, but got quite a few sevens, an 8 and even  one 9 - in design technology."

The high design grade has given her something to think about. "I did really enjoy it, but wasn't going to take it at A Level..."

Both girls said lockdown and the cancellation of exams had been difficult at the time but added: "It worked out pretty well for us!"

Highgate School's GCSE results were in the top rank, and leading the way were twins Lillian and Sophie Norton who received 20 grade 9s between them. 

The duo reflected on an uneasy end to the school year, Lillian said: "“Lockdown was a shock to our systems, as our whole lives at the time had been turned upside down, everything as we knew it had been scrapped.

"When the exams were cancelled, I was left feeling empty as everything I had been working up to had disappeared.Opening my results this morning, I felt relief and joy.” 

Sophie added: "With the political situation at the moment, I just felt relieved when I opened my results and I feel for all the students who are dealing with the A Level and Btec results fallout.”

Headteacher Adam Pettitt said he was " particularly proud of this year group" and added; "They faced unprecedented challenges and uncertainties, but have been patient and thoughtful throughout, and threw themselves into last term’s enrichment programme in preparation for their sixth form studies with real passion, commitment and maturity."

This week in the Ham&High Mr Pettitt was scathing about the government's handling of A Level results.

In Crouch End, the pupils at Hornsey School for Girls also defied the pandemic to post some sensational marks. 

Lizzie McDermott, Mabel Partridge and Inaya Islam were just three of the most impressive teenagers. 

Mabel told this newspaper she had been "extremely surprised" to open an envelope containing six 9s and the rest 8s. "I'm very relieved," she said. "I wasn't thinking I'd do this well. I was aiming high, but not expecting this!"

Lizzie - who got nine 9s and a 7 - said: "I'm very happy. But I do't really feel like I've earned them [her grades]. "

Both girls were "super surprised", they said. Mabel explained: "I literally asked if they had got the right name! My mum even cried."

Inaya, who also got all 8s and 9s, was most proud of her top marks in maths. She said this was "because all the hard work had paid off" and added her parents were "elated".

She said: "I'm hoping to go into medicine or medicine with AI. Robotics has long been one of my favourite things."

Westminster Academy's principal, Dr Saima Rana, said: “Congratulations to our GCSE Class of 2020. They have suffered a tremendously turbulent and disappointing six months, but I am pleased that they are now being awarded the fairest possible results in the circumstances. The pandemic of 2020 should not be what defines this year group. 

"They more than proved themselves through incredibly diligent preparation for exams and impressed us with the commitment and passion they put into our virtual school, WA Online. 

"This is a year group of highly intelligent young people of many talents, among which there are leaders, sports people, researchers, performers, coaches, fundraisers, entrepreneurs, and we are excited to see what their future holds. 

"Thank you to all those who have played a part in their education at Westminster Academy; in particular parents, carers, staff, sponsors, governors and our community and business partners.”

Westminster Academy saw 78% of its students achieve 9-4 grades in English and maths. The highest achiever, Ariana Preda, achieved nine grade 9s and one grade 8, after moving to the UK just two years ago. 

Other top achievers include Murbarkh Abdulhamid with eight grade 9s and one grade 8, and Kush Majithia, who achieved six grade 9s and three grade 8s.  

These guys did very well indeed. 

Lenny said: "I'm very happy - I've exceeded my expectations and did better than I thought I would in subjects like maths and RE and geography." 

His top marks were 8s in geography and media and is hoping to indulge a passion for photography at A Level. 

Luca got an 8 in geography too, and said he was "so happy and excited to get what I wanted". 

And Noah's grades were sensational - among his grades were four 9s, two 8s and a 7 - including top marks in English and business. He's "definitely planning to go to uni" but not sure to do what. 

Ella Taylor, who's standout marks were 9s in maths and Spanish, is off to Alexandra Park School's sixth form take A Levels.