STUDENTS have been celebrating as the A-level results came out yesterday.

At the Chase, nearly a third of all entries resulted in either an A* or A grade, with a record 18 per cent achieving AAB in at least two facilitating subjects, the ones normally required to get into top universities. Head Mike Fieldhouse said: “The school is delighted with the performance of all its sixth form students and believes a record number of students have secured a place at their first choice university or on a higher level apprenticeship.”

At Dyson Perrins, the school met its overall targets and students who took vocational qualifications performed exceptionally well, exceeding target related expectations.

Head Stuart Wetson said: “I am delighted with our overall performance again this year. The results reflect the hard work of the students and their teachers. We were particularly pleased that the average grade across vocational qualifications such as law, IT and performing arts was a distinction.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved and would like to wish all of our students every success with their chosen next steps in further education or employment.”

At Hanley Castle, the students gained 28 per cent of passes at either A* or A grade, 51 per cent at A*-B and a massive 76 per cent at grades A*-C. The overall pass rate was 99 per cent.

Head Lindsey Cooke said: “We were a little concerned the new, tougher A-levels might affect the results, but our wonderful students have risen to the challenge magnificently.

“It really has been a privilege to work with a group of young people who have not only worked hard to achieve notable academic success, but have also made a wonderful contribution to the life of the school and the wider community. Their talent in music, drama and sport, as well as their willingness to work for others, has really set them apart.”

Nationally, the proportion of A-levels scoring the highest grades has risen for the first time in six years. National figures show more than one in four (26.3%) of A-level entries scored an A* or A this summer, up 0.5 percentage points on 2016.

At Malvern College, A-level candidates achieved impressive results with over 20 per cent getting at least three As. Amongst these are local pupils Amelia Law, Bertie Davis, Charlie Bijl, Henry Wall, Alice Clemit, Freddie Barrell, Emily Bennett, Martha Doherty, Josh Haynes, Maggie Wong, Joseph Murgatroyd and James Scott.

Head Antony Clark, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results of our pupils which are indicative not only of the ability of the students and staff but also of their hard work.

“The vast majority of our pupils achieved results which were better than our expectations and this is greatly to their credit.”

At Malvern St James, over a quarter achieved A*, over half A*-A, and over three-quarters A*-B.

Head Olivera Raraty said: “I am delighted with today’s results which see our girls heading to the best universities in the UK, as well as some to America and other international destinations.

“They have worked hard to achieve these results and they are very well-deserved.”