A-LEVEL students in east Cheshire have chalked up impressive results that are above the national average.

This year sees new A-level and AS level qualifications being taken following the phasing in of revised syllabuses.

The borough’s 1,685 students received their results this morning and they have again achieved a provisional pass rate of 99 per cent, which is above the national average of 98 per cent.

The further breakdown of grades shows that the proportion of students achieving grades A* to A was 27 per cent, which is higher than the proportion nationally and well over half (54 per cent) achieved an A* to B grade. What is particularly pleasing is the continuing increase in the number of students achieving the highest grade of A* with 10 per cent of Cheshire East students attaining this grade compared to a national figure of 8 per cent.

Cllr George Hayes, cabinet member for children and families, said: "This year's exam results, once again, are extremely impressive and I congratulate all the sixth-formers on their achievements.

“To continue to perform as an authority at the highest level year after year is a real credit to our schools in what continues to be a turbulent time for curriculum and assessment changes at a national level.

"I'd also like to offer my thanks to parents, teachers, school staff and governors for all their efforts. It will have been an anxious time for students and their families as they await the result of years of hard work and having that strong support network makes such a positive difference to our young people.

"Our learners have shown great drive to achieve the highest grades possible and maximise their potential, so I am very pleased to join them by celebrating the continued trend of improvement across the borough.

"I wish our young people all the very best for the future, whether they are continuing their studies into further or higher education, apprenticeships or putting their foot on the first rung of the ladder in the work place.

"We work alongside our wholly-owned Skills and Growth Company to help ensure young people have the appropriate skills and qualifications to consider the right career choice for them once they receive their results, so that they can make a full contribution to our successful local economy."