He told them: “You have achieved a lot so far and I know you will all achieve different things in life.

“Everyone has a massive amount to offer and there are so many opportunities out there that I do urge each and every one of you to do the best you can.”

Mr Lamb, a long-time friend of the school, said he felt privileged to be part of such an occasion.

He congratulated students and staff for their joint endeavour in achieving a record set of results last August and also had a good word to say for parents.

Headteacher Richard Moore reminded the packed college conference hall that 2008 had been an exceptional year.

“The number of students achieving five or more GCSEs at A to C level was 66 per cent.

That represents a massive leap of five per cent on the previous year,” he said.

“While the girls have continued to come out best, I’m delighted to see the margin has narrowed after the best-ever year for the boys.

“I do congratulate all of our young students on their exam successes.

“In this fairly cynical age, it’s easy for some to denigrate achievements like this but I can promise you it’s not getting any easier.”

Head of year Richard Caley, who had been with the students from their earliest time at the school, said how much of a pleasure it had been to watch their progress right through from Years Seven to 11.

He highlighted some of the outstanding memories such as trips to Paris, the Houses of Parliament and camping expeditions.

In addition to GCSE certificates, Mr Lamb presented a number of awards for outstanding achievements.

The Duncan Barrett Memorial Award, established in 1947 for the best piece of writing by a student, went to Jack Harding in recognition of his A* grades in both Language and Literature and his ability to understand complex texts and offer guidance to others in his classes.

The Perowne Prize, instigated by former chairman of governors Bill Perowne for overall contributions to school life, was shared by Lucy Rand and Chris Woodhouse, last year’s head girl and boy.

The Scott Berry Award, in memory of a former student killed in a road accident at the age of 17, went to Louie Vanstone.

The headteacher’s Shield for Effort went to Vanessa Dack and the Shield for Progress to Abigail Taylor.

The Shield for Excellence was won by Rebecca Morgan who obtained ten GCSEs at grade A* and one at grade A.