DESPITE news that A-level grades have edged down this year, it was celebrations all around in Redditch.

There has been a slight fall in A* and A grades but record numbers have been accepted on university courses.

In Redditch there was plenty of celebration at schools and colleges as students surpassed themselves.

At Trinity High School students achieved a third consecutive year of improved results. The average point score per student increased by more than 40 points on last year to 728.

The average point score per entry increased by 20 points on last year to 226.

Adrian Ward, Headteacher, said: ‘I am delighted that Trinity Sixth Form continues to demonstrate a drive for excellence for all our students.

"The students and staff should be extremely proud of these achievements. I am delighted and very proud of them all.

"This is the third consecutive year of improvement and demonstrates why so many students are choosing Trinity for their post-16 studies."

RSA Academy Arrow Vale also recorded its best ever set of results with 48 per cent achieving A* to B and more than 70 per cent achieving at least one A.

Some of the top A* and A students include George Friel, who will be studying human biology and anatomy development Kings College London.

At St Augustine's High School 100 per cent of students have attained three or more A-levels. 63 per cent of students achieved four A-levels, and a 100 per cent pass rate has been achieved overall along with an exceptionally high average total points score of 964.

Principal Anthony Quinn expressed his delight.

"These results are testimony to the hard work of staff, students and parents," he said.

"Students now have a springboard to move to the next step in their life careers. Destinations include the Russell Group universities to study medicine, law and other academic subjects, apprenticeships in Engineering and careers in physiotherapy, nursing and social work."

Woodrush High School celebrated another terrific year of sixth form results with many students securing places at universities across the country.

Headteacher Natasha Rancins Said: "We are extremely proud of our students and we are delighted with their hard work and commitment to their studies at Woodrush.

"All students that wanted to continue studies at university have gained places to do this in a range of degree courses.

"We congratulate all our sixth form students and wish them the very best at university, and thank parents, carers and our staff who supported their fantastic achievements."

A* and A grades were awarded to 25.9 per cent of entries, down from 26 per cent last year. But in a year of "stable" results, passes rose by 0.1 percentage point.

The Ucas university admissions service says 409,000 places have been confirmed, up 3 per cent on last year.