THE wait was over for students across Bromsgrove who opened their A-level results earlier today, (August 14).

Many were celebrating and had helped their schools secure excellent results.

David Hadley-Pryce, headteacher at North Bromsgrove High School, said he was thrilled with their great results.

The average grade had improved by a grade, the percentage of top A* to B grades increased by eight per cent, while the overwhelming majority of students at the School Drive-based school secured their first choices at university.

Among the impressive performers were Ben Thorington-Jones with two A*s and an A, Lauren Bennett with three As, and Jess Cotterill who achieved an A*, two As and a C.

Mr Hadley-Pryce added: "We have doubled the size of the sixth form team and changed a lot of our systems to improve support.

"I’m really delighted to see the positive impact it’s having on results for our students, and we are currently working on plans to expand and improve our sixth form centre during the coming year."

At Bromsgrove School, 177 pupils sat 544 A-level examinations and 49 BTEC qualifications.

An impressive 87 per cent of all results were graded A* to B, with 23 per cent graded A*.

One of the top performers was Lewis Turner, who achieved four A*s and an A at AS level, enabling him to secure a place at the University of Birmingham studying medicine.

The results followed on from the Worcester Road-based school achieving its best ever International Baccalaureate results.

Peter Ruben, second deputy headmaster academic, said: "These wonderful results are a testament to the hard work of pupils and staff. "We are all very proud of them."

South Bromsgrove High School's results were another success story as students set record standards in A-levels and BTEC qualifications, significantly outperforming the school's high targets.

There were 289 entries at the Charford Road-based school and 59 per cent of students managed to get A* to B grades.

Headteacher Paul Topping said: "I am delighted that so many of our students have been rewarded with results they have worked so hard for, having felt challenged and supported to achieve their very best.

“We believe all students this year will secure places at universities of their choice, including Oxford and Cambridge, and other destinations such as high level apprenticeships.

"We wish them well as they embark on this new and exciting stage of their lives.”

In the county, initial data indicated 94.1 per cent of students achieved two or more A* to E grades - an improvement from last year's figure of 92.4 per cent.

Councillor Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for children and families said: "Worcestershire A-level students have yet again shown they can make the grade with a superb performance in their results.   

"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."

• Anyone seeking advice after receiving their A-level results can contact the county's Post 16 Engagement Team on 01527 66525.