YOUNGSTERS in Worcestershire have been celebrating after picking up their A-level results.

Nationally, the number of students achieving an A grade or higher has fallen to the lowest for more than a decade, national figures show. In total, 25.5 per cent of UK entries were awarded an A or A* grade this summer, the lowest proportion since 2007 when it was 25.3 per cent. A* grades were introduced in 2010. Before this, the highest result was an A.

RGS Worcester students achieved the best A* results at the school for five years. With almost 40 per cent of all grades at the top end (A* or A. The A* to C pass rate is 88.5 per cent.

John Pitt, headteacher said: “We are delighted that our Upper Sixth students have achieved such excellent results under the new A Level system. They have excelled in the Sixth Form and will go on to achieve great things."

At Worcester Sixth Form College, 76.1 per cent of the 1230 students achieved grades A* to C.

Principal, Ed Senior, said: “I am immensely proud of what our students have achieved this year. Their excellent results in both A Level and Applied subjects reflect their hard work, commitment and most of all ability."

At King’s School, 40 per cent of pupils achieved grades A* to A. The overall pass rate is 87 per cent of results graded A* to C.

Acting headmaster, Jon Ricketts said: “Following the particularly sad news at the start of the week it’s wonderful to share with the students their fantastic news. This impressive set of results is a real credit to the Sixth Formers and is a result of their dedication and hard work."

48 per cent of students from Droitwich Spa High School received an A*, A or B grade. This is 3 per cent higher than in 2018.

The A* to E pass rate at Christopher Whitehead Language College has risen to 98 per cent.

Matt Mobberley, head of sixth form said: “Our results reflect the hard work and dedication of our students and staff."

Tudor Grange Academy Worcester did not provide any figures showing how their students had performed.

Worcester News reporter Grace Walton had a chat with some of the students from Worcester Sixth Form College.

Mia Powell, aged 18, will be taking a gap year.

She said: “I did better than I expected. I’m actually speechless. I’m a bit overwhelmed that it’s all over.”

Maddie Fowler, aged 18 said: “I am relieved that all the exams are over. Although it’s weird being back in school."

Jemima Lywood, aged 18 said: “I feel so happy. It’s quite a relief to have our results back.”

Harriet Hollyhead, aged 18, will be attending Worcester University to study Fine Art and Psychology.

She said: “I am so happy. I’m over the moon. I did better than thought I would. I’m just ready to take on the next step in my life.”

Thomas Smith, 18, said: “I’m a mixed bag of emotions right now. I did well but didn’t get what I expected.”

Angus Harker, 18, said: “I will be taking a gap year and we will see where that lands me. It’s very sad to be finishing. I have made lots of friends here. It’s a new chapter in my life and we have to move on.”

Adam Jones, 18, said: “I got into university so I’m very happy. It will be nice for a change and I look forward to meeting new people. I did make some good friends here, but we’ll stay in touch.”