Central Foundation Boys’ School described the overhauled GCSE system as the “most difficult since the 1980s”.

So headteacher Jamie Brownhill was delighted to report 34 per cent of his pupils exclusively achieved the top two grades.

Under Michael Gove’s new system, maths and the two English subjects are now graded only on exams, with no coursework.

Mr Brownhill admitted English was a particular worry, but 10 students achieved the highest possible “9” score (which has replaced the traditional A* to G system) while eight pupils got a 9 in maths.

About 2pc of pupils across the country got a 9. The school, in Cowper Street, off Old Street, claimed its proportion of 9s was three times that.

Mr Brownhill said this morning: “Central Foundation believes every young person can be successful whatever their starting point or background and our results demonstrate that we have made this belief a reality.

“Our students have made exceptional progress throughout their time at the school and we are particularly delighted at the large number of top grades.

“It’s been a real challenge for the teachers. It’s not just the grading that has changed, but also the specifications. English language and English literature in particular have been challenging.

“Obviously for the students, this could have been nerve wracking – which is why I am absolutely delighted to be competing with the best.”

The GCSE system is set for more changes in the next academic year, bringing most other subjects in line with the 1 to 9 grading in maths and the two English subjects.

Mr Brownhill added: “It’s been a challenge for us to manage the first step, so we have more work to do.”

Central Foundation success stories included:

Liam Elliott Brady: two 9s, an 8, six A*s and two As.

Louis Jackson: two 9s, an 8, four A*s and two As.

Fernando Rodriguez-Santamaria: a 9, a 7, five A*s and four As.

Mehmet Gul: a 9, two 7s, two A*s and six As.

Gabriel Rogers-Mullen: a 9, an 8, a 7, seven A*s and one A.

Abubakar Buwe: a 9, a 7, seven A*s and an A.

Ronnie Swash: a 9, an 8, a 7, five A*s and two As.

Mateusz Kopiec: two 8s, five A*s and four As.

• Send your GCSE stories to education editor James Scott by e-mailing james.scott@archant.co.uk, and check our dedicated exams homepage for all the latest Islington GCSE results news.