THERE were tears, tearing of envelopes and endless telephone calls as hundreds of students across Malvern, Ledbury and Upton received their A Level results.
The fateful day on Thursday (August 14), saw some schools and colleges achieve their best ever results and once more there were pupils who achieved standout grades.
Dyson Perrins C of E Academy saw a considerable improvement on last year with pupils achieving on average more than half a grade more. Maths was a particularly strong area as 40 per cent of pupils gained A* to A grades, while four fifths of entrants earned a C or better.
While half of the students sitting Chemistry and History managed grades between A* to B.
The Chase celebrated its best A Level results ever with a pass rate of 99.9 per cent, while 85 per cent gained a C or better and 31 per cent earned the top A* and A grades. Students average point score was well above the national average at a point shy of 900. About a fifth of pupils secured grades of AAB or better in ‘facilitating subjects’ which increase the chances of gaining a place in university.
Hanley Castle High School also witnessed its best ever results with 81 per cent of pupils gaining A* to C grades, more than a quarter earning the top A*s and As and 99 per cent passing overall.
In traditional subjects 51 per cent gained an A or better in Chemistry, while 60 per cent of students managed the top grades in English, breaking a long school record. While 94 per cent earned a Distinction or Distinction* in the equivalent BTEC courses.
The girls at Malvern St. James were also celebrating with 20 per cent earning the top grades and 81 per cent gaining Bs or better. A total of 73 per cent of Maths pupils achieved A*s and As, while all pupils sitting Food Technology, Latin and PE BTECs earned the top grades. Once again the leavers are off on a diverse range of courses bucking common stereotypes, with many girls going on to study such subjects as mechanical engineering, politics and architecture.
All pupils at Malvern College passed their A Levels with 72 per cent earning a B or better and 45 per cent gaining the top grades.
Abbey College also enjoyed impressive results with all students achieving A* to Cs and two thirds of pupils obtaining A*s and As.
Ledbury’s John Masefield High School also saw 99 per cent of its pupils pass as 79 per cent earned a C or better while 39 per cent managed A*s and As.
Also pleasing for the school was the fact 55 per cent of students obtained the top grades in their Extended Projects.
Across Worcestershire more people passed than last year with 83.9 per cent gaining three grades compared to 78.6 per cent in 2013.
Coun Liz Eyre, responsible for children and families at the county council, said: “Year on year Worcestershire schools are improving. This year’s results are a well-deserved reflection of the determination and hard work of the students, the skills of their teachers and the tremendous support of their families.
“For anyone who hasn’t got the results they were hoping for don’t panic, don’t give in but persevere as there are plenty of opportunities available.
“School teachers or careers advisers are ready to offer support and advice. Take advantage of the Worcestershire’s Post 16 Engagement team as they are also ready to give advice and support.”
It was a similar success story across Herefordshire as 99 per cent of people passed while those gaining the top grades rose to more than 11 per cent. Nationally the amount of students who passed fell for the first time in more than 30 years but record numbers – expected to exceed half a million – were accepted into university.
