Shropshire students today set new A-level records as the national pass rate rose for the 27th year in a row.

At the county’s biggest exam centre – Shrewsbury Sixth Form College – the results are significantly above national averages in terms of both pass rates and point scores. And elsewhere across Shropshire outstanding results are also being celebrated by jubilant youngsters.

Martin Ward, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College principal, said the pass rate was a “stunning” 98.7 per cent with significantly high proportions of higher scores, with A-B grades at 57 per cent and A-C grades at 80 per cent.

“This outstanding performance reflects the commitment of students and staff,” said Mr Ward. “This serves as a strong base for student progression to higher education and employment.”

He said 662 students took a wide range of courses.

At AS level – the first year of the A-level course – more that 650 students have received their results, again achieving the highest grades in the college’s history. Six have achieved the grades required for Oxford and Cambridge and 74 students gained all grade As.

In Telford & Wrekin, most schools and colleges notched up their best ever results.

Blessed Robert Johnson Catholic College achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

Pupils Rita Salem and Josh Dixon were among the top of the crop, Rita gaining three A grades and Josh achieving three A grades and one B. The number of pupils at the college achieving A and B grades rose from 22 per cent to 44 per cent.

Wrekin College got 77 per cent of pupils through with A-C grades and 18 notched up straight As in three or more subjects, such as Anna Maria Skenderska who got four As and a B.

In Newport, Adams Grammar celebrated an overall pass rate of 99 per cent – up three per cent from last year – and Newport Girls High also had a pass rate of 99 per cent. New College in Wellington had a 97 per cent overall pass rate.

Nationally more than one in four exam entries – 26.7 per cent – were awarded an A grade.

By Education Correspondent Dave Morris