IN PICTURES: Shropshire and Mid Wales students celebrate A-level results

It is the annual day for tears of either joy or devastation as the long summer wait for A-level results came to an end.

In schools and college all over Shropshire and Mid Wales students were tearing open the envelopes which would tell them what grades they had got and how it would affect their futures.

Would they get their places at university, would they have to go through clearing? Their fate was all contained in one small packet

Some schools in the region saw 100 per cent pass rates and many students today discovered they had achieved the coveted top A* grade.

• Exam Results Helpline: 0800 100 8000

• Ucas: 0371 468 0468

• Wolverhampton University: 01902 323 505

• Harper Adams University: 01952 815000

• Telford College of Arts and Technology: 01952 642237

• University Centre Shrewsbury: 01244 567470

• Shrewsbury College: 01743 342 340

• Glyndwr University: 01978 293439

• UCAS website – www.ucas.com

There is a buzz of excitement at Shrewsbury Sixth Form College today, as staff students are celebrating a super set of A-level results with 20% of the students gaining A*-A grades, 45% A*-B grades and pass rates of 98%.

For the first time in the college's history over 700 students were sitting A-level examinations this year in 45 subjects equating to 2135 entries making the college the biggest A-level centre in the county.

Principal Martin Ward, said: "A-level results are so important for students in terms of their progression to university or employment. The pass rate is an impressive 98% with significantly high proportions of higher grades with A*-B grades at 45% and A*-C grades at 72%. Results at A level and AS level show a pleasing improvement which benefits students from all over the county and significant numbers from even further afield. To achieve such consistency whilst providing such a range of choice to such a large number of students is a credit to the college."

Three students who were offered places at Oxford or Cambridge this year have achieved the grades required, good grades have been achieved by our international students with all the A2 students gaining A*-C grades and Jasmine Fan gaining 3 AS grades all at A grade in Economics, German and Maths.

A further 60 students gained 3 Advanced level grades of A or A*.

It is expected that 65% of the students will go straight to university in a wide range of courses.

For the second year the college has entered students for level 3 BTEC courses. 131 entries were made in BTEC Applied Science, Business, ICT and Sport and there was a pass rate of 99% and a fantastic 62% of all entries were at Distinction level. These qualifications have a high academic content and also prepare students for the world of employment.

Fiona O'Brien, the principal at New College in Telford, said she was absolutely delighted with the results the students obtained.

She said: "Once again our results are improved on the previous year and that is a fantastic achievement especially given that grades across the country were supposed were expected to be lower this year.

"The grades achieved are testament to the hard work put in by both the students and the staff at new College.

"So many of the students have obtained the results they need to go onto higher education at their first choice universities."

"It is an emotional day, and it is wonderful to see that, in the majority of cases, the tears from the students are ones of joy and not sadness."

Adcote School's results show a continued strong improving trend over the last few years.

At A-level there was almost a 100% pass rate, with 49% of candidates gaining an A* or A grade.

Out of the many exceptional achievements by our girls, Aleksandra Swiatkowska achieved 3 A* and 2 A grades and Maria Derda obtained 2A* and an A grade. The average UCAS points per pupil was 498.

Headmaster Gary Wright commented "Although exam results are by no means our only measure of success, academic performance is nevertheless crucial in helping our students achieve their aspirations. Our pupils excel academically as well as being involved in many varied aspects of the broad and balanced education that we provide.

I congratulate all of the girls for their hard work and commitment to their studies, which is demonstrated by these excellent results. I am confident that the skills and independence which Adcote develops will ensure that our girls go on to secure success at university and beyond."

"Much of this academic success has been in what are traditionally the very toughest subjects such as Maths, Further Maths and the Sciences. The girls should now feel confident and well prepared academically to embark on their University courses."

Shrewsbury High School, where the girls have shown once again that the top A-level grades are there for the taking. At the school, an incredible 90% of all A-levels secured an A*-C grade with almost half of all A-levels sat achieving the top grades of A*/A.

Headteacher, Michael Getty said: "These results are simply stunning and huge credit must go to our incredible teaching staff and our very bright, hardworking and dedicated girls.

"These results take our Sixth Form to a point where A* and A grades at A level are now simply becoming the norm. However, the girls' results are all the more special because they are achieved whilst balancing incredibly full involvement in broader activities in the Sport, Music, Drama and beyond. It is all very clear testimony to how top grades are accessible to so many students, if you create the right ethos, class sizes and facilities."

Oswestry School had 52% of the papers taken awarded A* - B grades, with an overall pass-rate of 93%.

James Gale, from Caersws, secured three As in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics; he has gained a place to study Medicine at his first choice, Birmingham University. Local girls Jenny Hu, from Oswestry, and Laura Kendall, from Gobowen achieved excellent grades.

Jenny will also go on to read Medicine at Birmingham University, having scored A*AA in Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics and Laura will study Law at Exeter University after obtaining grades of A*AB. Welsh universities are the destination for Head Boy, George Tomley, who has gained a place at Cardiff to study History and Head Girl, Verity Bowen will read Environmental Science at Aberystwyth.

Julian Noad, Headmaster, commented "This was a particularly pleasing set of results from a delightful group of boys and girls, who not only performed well in the exam hall but also gave generously of their time to the sporting, musical and cultural side of school life."

Oldbury Wells School are celebrating their excellent results with an impressive pass rate of 99% this year.

Sarah Godden headteacher said: "We are really pleased with how well our students have done this year. Of particular note is that 61% of A-level passes were at grade C or better. This means that our students have been able to secure places on reputable University courses, coveted apprenticeships or training, according to their apsirations and wishes. Well done to them all."

Judy Mondon Chair of Governors said: "I would like to pass on my congratulations to all of our students, but also to staff. We wish our students well into their futures."

Of particular year was Frankie Ward with 3 A*s and a B, Beth Shilling with 2 A's and 3 B's and Ella Handley with 2 A's and 2 B's

Bridgnorth Endowed School had over 40% of grades A*-B with well over 70% of grades being A*-C.

Headteacher Phil Loveday said: "We were very pleased with the A-level results last summer which were amongst the best in the county and this years results show that we have built successfully on them. I would like to congratulate students and staff on an excellent years work and for producing results to be very proud of."

Notable performers were Alice Parr with 2 A*'s and an A; Tess Lye with 2 A's and 2B's; Georgie Wright an A* 2B's and a C; Leah Cooper with 2 A's and a B; Ryan Stanley with an A, B and C; and Leah Argent also with an A, B and C.

Sir John Talbot's Sixth Form were 'on top of the world', as the school revealed their best A-level results. These are the first set of A-level results since the school converted to an academy and David O'Toole, the headteacher, is thrilled.

Students and staff celebrated as 68% achieved 1 or more A*- B grade. This is a 24% increase of last year, with both average point scores and grades rising substantially across the board. 100% of A-level students achieved two A-level grades or better.

Mr O'Toole said: "This cohort of students should be so proud of their outstanding achievements. They have worked tirelessly throughout the past two years to achieve these fantastic results, with many students also completing extra-curricular activities like the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, alongside their studies.

"All teachers at Sir John Talbot's School strive to bring out the best in every student and it is wonderful when the partnership between the student, teacher and parents brings about such success. What a wonderful way to round off our first year as an Academy."

Notable performers are Jodie Whitewith 2 A*'s and an A; Sam Boardman with an A*, A, B and C; Myles Chadwick with 2 Distinctions, 2 B's and a C; and Joseph Steel with an A* and 2B's.

The first ever Marches sixth formers, collected their A-level results today.

Students and staff celebrated a pass rate of over 99%, with 41% of entries at A*- B. This is the first cohort to complete their Sixth Form education at The Marches and headteacher, Sarah Longville, offered her congratulations to all students and was "over the moon" with the sixth form's first ever set of A-level results.

Mrs Longville said: "I offer my warmest congratulations to the first ever Marches Sixth Formers as they celebrate their fantastic A-level results. This is our first cohort to complete their Sixth Form education at the school and we are 'thoroughly delighted' with our first set of results.

"These results reflect the high aspirations of both students and staff at The Marches and are testimony to why we pushed so hard for a Sixth Form at the school. I am immensely proud of our students, staff, governors and parents, who are truly committed to the school and work together in partnership to ensure our learning community in Oswestry continues to develop and flourish."

North Shropshire College (NSC) is celebrating another excellent year for A-levels with a massive 7% increase in grades A to C and a 100% pass rate in several subjects including Maths, English Language/Literature, Geography, History, ICT, and many more.

NSC has also seen an increase of 5% in grades A to C for AS Levels.

Jackie Doodson, principal and chief executive, said: "I am delighted with our students results, particularly those in the Arts area, which includes Fine Art, Photography, Graphics and Textiles, who achieved a 100% pass rate for the second year running. The high standard of work in the Arts was exhibited in the College foyer at the Oswestry Campus throughout June and July. The results are a tribute to the hard work of our students, the professionalism of our staff and the dedicated support of parents and guardians."

With most results in place for BTEC Extended Diplomas (the vocational equivalent to A-levels), over a third of students have achieved a Triple Starred Distinction (equivalent to three A* at A Level) and over half have achieved a Triple Distinction (equivalent to three A's at A Level).

These achievements once again reflect the significant value that the College adds to students during their study programmes. In particular, 82% of students studying Animal Management achieved a Triple Starred Distinction and 92% achieved a Triple Distinction and above.

It has been another strong year for results at Moreton Hall.

67% of grades achieved were A*, A or B with a significant number of students achieving straight As and A*s in their subjects.

Students at Thomas Adams College, in Wem, are celebrating as they yet again produced outstanding results at A and AS Level, with a 100 per cent pass rate in no less than 23 subjects at A-level and even more A* grades than before.

Headteacher, Liz Dakin, said: "We are absolutely thrilled, as these achievements are the result of a lot of hard work by both students and staff over the last year.

"I would like to congratulate the students and wish them every success as they venture out to apprenticeships or university.

"Many are going off to ambitious courses in law, engineering, business, textiles, maths and teaching. Others are off to do apprenticeships, for example in graphic design, IT or administration.

"There is such a wide variety, and there are many wonderful individual achievements at every level, which is important as we are an inclusive college."

Lorna Withey, Director of Sixth Form, added: "I am particularly proud of our students who have gained places at prestigious Russell Group universities, including Oxford, Durham and Warwick.

"Our average point score is equivalent to three B grades for each student, whilst our A*-C achievement rate has exceeded expectations, at almost 70 per cent. Congratulations to all."

Shrewsbury School is celebrating its best ever year for A-level results, with 86.1% of the exams awarded the top A*, A or B grades.

There are many individual success stories in this year's results, not least the 19 pupils who gained at least 3 A* grades and the 55 pupils who gained an A* or A in all their subjects.

Both last year's joint Heads of School, James Plaut and Esmé O'Keeffe, gained an A* in each of their subjects.

James was studying English, Geography and History, whilst Esmé studied French, History, Latin and Spanish. Impressive too was the performance of Ronald Chen who gained 6 A* grades, in Maths, Further Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Chinese.

All 12 pupils at Shrewsbury School with offers from Oxford or Cambridge Universities achieved the required grades to meet their offers and will be taking up their places later this year.

The School's AS results from the Lower Sixth pupils were also impressive, with 65% of grades achieved at A or B grades. 38 pupils gained A grades in all their subjects and 80 gained nothing less than a B.

The headmaster, Mark Turner, expressed his delight at his pupils' success: "I am extremely proud of this year's splendid collection of A Level results, which are a tribute to the hard work of our pupils and staff alike."

This year's A-level results have produced a record for Concord College.

Some 95.1% of grades awarded were A*, A or B. Other figures show that 103 students achieved three A grades or more out of a year group of 162, while 79.1% of grades awarded were A* or A with 35.4% A*.

Ten students achieved four A*s or more and 26 students achieved three A*s or more.

The college had a 100% pass rate.

Principal Neil Hawkins said: "These are another set of outstanding A level results. It is superb that Concord's leavers of 2015 have achieved such strong results with over 100 students gaining three A grades or more.

"They are a talented group who deserve their success. Their grades place them amongst the best year groups in Concord's history.

"It is extraordinary that the average Concord leaver of 2015 achieved more than three As.

"This is also a year group who enjoy life, embodying one of Concord's key beliefs that it is 'cool to be clever.'

"These wonderful young people are now ready to take the next step into their adult lives with confidence."

Students at Ellesmere College Sixth Form achieved another great crop of results and can celebrate their A-level success. Overall performance saw 98.9% pass rate including quite a number of outstanding performances.

Nearly 60% of all grades awarded to Ellesmere students were in the top A*/B grades with the girls raising that bar to nearly 70% of their grades published being in A*AB and a 100% pass rate.

Mr Brendan Wignall, headteacher, said: "It is always a pleasure to see our students continue to secure impressive grades such as these and all who wish to progress to university being able to do so. I congratulate our A level, IB and BTEC students on their achievements All our students completing their studies with us deserve this success. Credit must also go to the excellent work of our teaching staff and of course to parents for their constant support and encouragement."

Ysgol Rhiwabon is also proud of the achievements.

There are some outstanding individual achievements which are a testament to the incredible amount of hard work put in by the students, their parents and teachers.

There was a 100% pass rate at the demanding Higher Welsh Baccalaureate qualification and 97% of students achieved higher grade passes.

Performance in all vocational subjects, where over half of the results were at Distinction or Distinction Star level.

Mr Alun Harding, Headteacher, said: "Having a well-managed sixth form means that we really know our students as individuals and are able to really tailor the courses they follow. The advice, guidance and support they receive helps our students' to ensure the highest chances of success.

"As I maintain, we don't set simple entry grades – we look at individuals; I think our results reflect this approach."

A-level pupils at Lucton School celebrate another year of excellent exam results. Half of all A-levels taken achieved A*to B grades with three-quarters at A* to C.

Head of sixth form, John Goode, praised his pupils' success, saying, "I am absolutely delighted. Our pupils have worked so hard and most are now heading to their first choice university, many to top Russell Group universities."

At Ludlow College, headteacher Carl Morris said their results were very pleasing.

He said: "We've had a fantastic year - A level results are very, very good with a 99.6 percent pass rate. That works out at 28 of our 29 subjects getting 100 percent passes. High grades are also up at A level by 4%.

"It's hard to highlight a subject that has done particularly well as they all have, to be fair.

"The results are down to the hard work of students and the staff at the end of the day," he added.

A-level results at Bishop Heber High School was once again a cause for celebration amongst students, staff and parents, with almost 55% of all grades awarded being A*-B and an overall pass rate of 100%.