It was a more emotional A-Level results day than usual for outgoing Oxford Spires Academy principal Sue Croft.

The former headteacher retired after seven years in charge at the end of the summer term, but could not resist returning to say goodbye to her final year 13 class.

She said: "They're particularly special as they were in year seven when I joined so they've been there since the very beginning.

"They like to say I'm leaving because I can't bear to be at the school without them."

She added: "They're a fantastic group, who is has been a pleasure to watch grow up and who have worked extremely hard to achieve the results they have."

It has also been top marks for Mrs Croft, who during her tenure has helped transform the secondary school into one of the best performing in the city.

Changes included introducing a house system, new uniforms and improving behaviour.

The 58-year-old is the only person to have ever been principal of Oxford Spires, having taken over shortly before it replaced the Oxford School.

The school, once rated by Ofsted under the old system the equivalent of 'requires improvement', is now classified as 'good' and is oversubscribed.