A total of 732 pupils who took seven or more GCSEs achieved grade 9s in all of them, exam boards have revealed.

In England, 9-1 grades were introduced for the first time last year in maths, English language and English literature. This year they have been awarded in 20 additional reformed subjects.

The new grade 9 is higher than the old A*.

According to figures released by Ofqual, of the 732 pupils who got a clean sweep of 9s in reformed subjects, 454 (62 per cent) were girls and 278 (38 per cent) were boys.

Across the core subjects of English language, English literature and maths, 2000 students got three 9s this year, compared to 2050 in 2017.

According to today’s results, 4.3 per cent of all entries for 9-1 qualifications achieved a grade 9.

Five per cent of female entries achieved the top grade, and 3.6 per cent of male entries.