Hundreds of A-level students across Shropshire were today celebrating another set of strong results – with some schools seeing pass rates of 100 per cent and many students achieving top A* grades.

Nationally, 357,915 applicants had had their university places confirmed, down from 384,649 at the same point in 2011 – a fall of 6.95 per cent. Students now face tuition fees of up to £9,000.

The local figures come despite the pass rate stalling this year, amid attempts to tackle ‘grade inflation’.

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Nationally, the proportion of A-levels scoring at least an A grade has fallen for the first time in more than 20 years.

In total, 26.6 per cent of the exams were given an A or A*, down from 27 per cent in 2011 – a record drop of 0.4 per cent.

It is believed to be the biggest fall in the history of A-levels. The last time it dropped was between 1990 and 1991 when it decreased to 11.9 per cent from 12 per cent.

But at some of Shropshire’s top schools, results have improved bucking the national trend. Shropshire’s largest A-level examination centre, Shrewsbury Sixth Form College, saw more than a quarter of its 642 students gaining A*-A grades, over half gaining A*-B grades, and an overall pass rate of 99 per cent.

Walford and North Shropshire College, which has campuses in Oswestry and near Baschurch, notched up a 99 per cent pass rate, of which more than two-thirds were A* to C grades. Ludlow College saw a 99 per cent pass rate, while the pass rate was 100 per cent at Shrewsbury High School for Girls.

Oswestry School saw 35 per cent of its students achieving A* or A grades, and the overall A-C pass rate rose to 71% compared to 69% in 2011. New College, in Wellington, announced a 97 per cent pass rate, 66 per cent of which were at A*-C.

But there are concerns that changes to admissions will mean able teenagers who are predicted to score two As and a B, but just fall short, will struggle to gain a place.

Brian Lightman, of the Association of School and College Leaders, said it would be a tragedy if bright teenagers were disheartened.

Don’t miss our eight-page Prospectus special inside today's Shropshire Star