STUDENTS from schools and colleges across Worcestershire have been celebrating A-level results day.

Worcestershire County Council were unable to provide figures for how well the county had fared, blaming a problem with the Department for Education’s system.

However, schools in Worcester were well above the national average – of 97.9 per cent of students achieving a pass – or A* to E grade.

Many headteachers expressed relief that students had done well as recent changes to A-levels saw many based on exams only – rather than coursework.

Worcester Sixth Form College said it had scored above the national average pass rate for the 15th year running.

From 539 students, more than 90 per cent gained at least one A level with 85 students gained three B grades or above and 29 students gained 3 A grades or better.

Four of the college’s students gained four A grades while one achieved four A*s.

Principal Michael Kitcatt said: “I am delighted to see that all the hard work of the students and the staff has again led to such excellent results, particularly in the first year of the new style linear A-levels in many subjects.”

There were also 423 students who obtained university places.

It was the first time students at Christopher Whitehead Language College had picked up results, following the opening of the school’s sixth form two years ago.

Headteacher Neil Morris said 99 per cent of his students scored between A* and E and 48 per cent per cent got A* to B.

He added that pupils will be heading to institutions such as Bath University, Cardiff University and Warwick University.

He said: “It was a leap of faith for our parents, kids and our staff and we are delighted really that this shows this sixth form has been a success.

“I’m particularly pleased with students who have come to us (to retake) doing three years, perhaps because they didn’t do as well in their AS year, and who can now get to where they want to go.”

At Tudor Grange Academy every student achieved Level 3 qualifications, with an overall pass rate over 90 per cent.

The school was particularly successful in the sciences, English and health and social care.

Principal Samantha Roach said: “We have very much enjoyed working with this delightful group of young adults: they have been tremendous role models, had a positive effect on our community and, most importantly, their hard work has yielded great success.”

RGS Worcester saw 75 per cent of students achieve A* and B, up from 73.6 per cent last year and and 95 per cent marked between A* and C.

Headmaster John Pitt said: “Many congratulations to the students who have performed extremely well during a difficult time of A-level reforms.

“They have achieved excellent results and contributed so much to the school.

“I am particularly pleased to see that they have set themselves up so well for University or whatever they wish to do after leaving RGS.”

At the King’s School, Worcester, of 129 students, more than 90 per cent gained A* to C grades with 46 per cent awarded an A* or an A.

In total, 40 per cent of King’s students achieved an A or A* in at least two subjects.

Headmaster Matthew Armstrong said: “I wish to congratulate all of the Upper Sixth students on their superb achievements at A-level.

“They are testament to the hard work of the students, their parents and the teachers who have supported them.”

Among the success stories was Kieran Maguire, aged 18, who suffered a ruptured appendix just weeks before his exams began.

He scooped an A* in economics, a B in biology and D in chemistry and is now heading to Swansea University.

He said: “I think that my experience proves that whatever comes your way, you can still control your destiny.”