A-level results day: Shropshire round-up with PICTURES and VIDEO

In schools and college all over Shropshire and Mid Wales students were today 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.

The girls and staff at Shrewsbury High School are celebrating an excellent set of A-level results this year with many girls securing straight A grades.

Tthe school was delighted as a string of girls achieved over 85% of grades achieved the top A*to C grades.

"We are very proud of the girls and these superb results", said headmaster Michael Getty.

"The number of girls securing straight A grades is incredible and it is a great testimony to their hard work and ability and also to the dedication of our talented teaching staff."

The High School was particularly proud of the girls' ability to secure the high grades required to gain places at the most selective institutions with large numbers of girls heading to the likes of Cambridge, Durham and Bath Universities.

"The girls' achievements are incredible and once again it is wonderful to see them now go forward to study at some of the most selective and prestigious academic institutions across the country. As a school we pride ourselves on bringing out each and every girls' true potential, and I am particularly delighted with the diversity of career paths that the girls are now going off to pursue, which range from engineering to accountancy, from psychology to English literature," added Mr Getty.

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Students at Ellesmere College Sixth Form achieved another great crop of results.

Overall performance saw 60% of all grades awarded to Ellesmere students in the top A*A/B grades with the girls raising that bar to nearly 68% of grades published being in A*AB.

Whilst heartfelt congratulations go to all our students there were several particularly notable performances that are worthy of specific mention.

Stuart Green, from Oswestry, who got A*A*A in mathematics, further maths, physics; Tom Lloyd, from Overton-on-Dee, who got A* A* A in English literature, economics and geography; Sebastian McCarthy, from Ellesmere, whot got A A A in mathematics, geography and economics; Kasia Kowalczyk, from Poland, who got A* A* A A, from mathematics, further maths, business studies and physics; Aleksandras Calovas, Lithuania, who got A* A A in mathematics, chemistry and physics.

Brendan Wignall, headmaster, said: "It is always a pleasure to see our students secure impressive grades such as these and it is particularly pleasing to see 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."

At Thomas Adams College, Wem, the average point score per student has risen to the equivalent of AAB grades. Some 33 subject areas achieved a 100% pass rate and there were more A* to B grades than ever before.

Boys performed exceptionally well and many students are now looking forward to taking up their places at university.

Delighted 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 college, added: "I am particularly proud of our students who have gained places at prestigious Russell Group universities, including Durham, Warwick, Imperial College and Birmingham. There are also students gaining competitive apprenticeships at Cap Gemini and Jaguar Land Rover. Congratulations to all."

At Marches Sixth Form students and staff have built on the success of last years' first ever A-level results, celebrating a pass rate of 100%, with 41% of entries at A*to B.

This is the second cohort to complete their sixth form education at The Marches and executive headteacher, Sarah Longville said: "I offer my warmest congratulations to our sixth formers as they celebrate their fantastic A-level results.

"This is our second cohort to complete their Sixth Form education at the school and we are 'thoroughly delighted' with their set of results.

"These results reflect the high aspirations of both students and staff at The Marches School 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."

Head of sixth form, Claire Buckle, added: "I am so very proud of all the students in the Marches Sixth Form, every single one of them worked tirelessly in pursuit of their goal.

"Whilst it is pleasing to note outstanding individual results, Alex Keir from Year 13 achieving A*, A* A, B and Jonathan Jones from Year 12 with A, A, A, A in the sciences and maths. All students should be delighted that their results will allow them to take up their chosen future career be that studying in the country's top academic institutions or being part of ground breaking corporation's in the world of work."

At Sir John Talbot's Sixth Form there was a pass rate of over 95%, with both chemistry and art having 100% of students achieving A*to B and overall 63% of students achieved at least one A* to B.

Headteacher, Mr David O'Toole, said: "This year group has worked tirelessly with both their academic study and community engagement and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved. Sir John Talbot's students develop into responsible young adults benefiting from the close monitoring of academic standards and progress.

"Our tutors know the students individually and ensure advice and guidance is personalised. All students follow the extended project in year 12 which has been very successful at developing character and building independence and resilience.

"All students have plans for this September with the majority making successful university applications. We are incredibly proud of the individual successes of all our students."

Most notable achievement is Brett Twist who celebrated an A*, two As and a B.

At Shrewsbury Sixth Form College students achieved 47% A* to B grades and over 74% A*to C grades and an overall pass rate of 98.5%.

For the first time in the college's history over 750 students were sitting A-level examinations this year including 2,070 entries in 44 different subjects making the college the biggest 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 98.5% with significantly high proportions of higher grades with A*to B grades at 47% and A*-C grades at 74.2%. Results at A level show a pleasing improvement on last year.

"To achieve such an improvement, whilst providing a range of choice to a large number of students is a credit to the college. 52 A level students passed all their examinations with A* or A level grades."

Five students who were offered places at Oxford or Cambridge this year have achieved the grades required. Four students who were offered places to study medicine, dentistry and veterinary courses have been successful in achieving the required grades.

About 70% of the students will go straight to university in a wide range of courses.

For the third year the college has entered students for advanced BTEC courses. At Subsidiary Diploma level 91 entries were made in BTEC applied science, business, ICT and sport and there was a pass rate of 100% and a fantastic 76% of all entries were at Distinction level.

These qualifications have a high academic content and also prepare students for the world of employment.

Lyn Surgeon the new chief executive of the Shrewsbury College Group said: "I am delighted with the results at Shrewsbury Sixth Form college and to arrive at such a successful and exciting time as the two Shrewsbury colleges come together to form a strong college for all students. This is a strong testament to the work of staff and students."

The A-level results at Moreton Hall this year have exceeded all predictions with an impressive haul of top grades across all subject areas.

Jonathan Forster, Principal of Moreton Hall commented: "As one of Britain's leading non-selective schools we are delighted by these excellent results which are indicative of the quality of teaching and learning that is the hallmark of the school. The perseverance and determination of individual students has been outstanding, with many students exceeding their predictions."

Nearly 70% of entries were awarded the top grades of A*, A and B with a number of subjects – such as Economics, History and Classical Civilisation - achieving 100% A* to C.

David Minnery, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member for children and young people, said: "We would like to congratulate all the students for their hard work, and we appreciate how much they have had to do to achieve their results.

"We would also like to thank everyone who plays a part in our school and college communities across Shropshire. This includes our hugely skilled and committed teachers, headteachers and college principals, governors, support staff, people who contribute voluntarily and, of course, parents and carers who play such an important supportive role.

"We wish all the students receiving their results today every success in the future, including those moving forward with a university application or into the world of work."

Shrewsbury School is celebrating another excellent year with 79% of the exams awarded the top A*, A or B grades.

There are many individual success stories in this year's results, in particular for the 53 pupils who gained at least three A grades, 12 of whom gained three A* grades or more.

Last year's head of school Tom Breese, from Shrawardine, achieved 3 A* results in chemistry, french and Latin with an A grade in maths.

Impressive too was the performance of Ursule Taujanskaite who secured 5 A* grades in maths, further maths, biology, chemistry and french to secure her place at Cambridge University where she has also won a Choral Scholarship.

Nat Chumbala, Loren Kell and Martha Pownall also secured A* results in all of their subjects.

The headmaster, Mark Turner, was delighted at his pupils' success: "I warmly congratulate both pupils and teachers on these impressive results. I am pleased that pupils will be able to take up first choice university places as a reward for all of their hard work."

At Welshpool High School results are once again very strong with 100% of candidates achieving pass grades, a commendable 58% accessing the top grades of A* and A, and a pleasing 68% gaining two or more grades at A*to C.

Among the most notable individual performances were Edward Hart with 4 A*s in mathematics, further mathematics, additional mathematics and physics, Madeleine Phillips with one A*, two As, and one B in English literature, french, biology and history, Hannah Jones with one A*, one Distinction, one and one B in geography, business, history and mathematics; and Sarah Jane Williams with three As in PE, biology and geography.

In the south of the county Carl Morris, head of Ludlow College, said: "Our students are celebrating outstanding success in their A level results, with an overall pass rate of 100 percent – marking an exceptional year of excellent academic and personal achievements."

He said the college had also seen a 3 percent increase in A* to B grades.

"I am sure that the students would also wish me to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of the teaching staff who work tirelessly to help them achieve the best results they can," he added.

At Bridgnorth Endowed there were plenty of happy students.

Phil Loveday, head teacher said: "In an educational world that is going through vast change it is good to see that results for our students remains strong.

"Students and teachers deserve much praise for the way they have approached the last two years and initial analysis suggests that after two strong years for A-level results, this year continues to build on that success."

Julie Whitmore, Director of Sixth Form said: "I am pleased that the vast majority of our students have achieved their expectations.

"We deliberately challenge students to aim high and for so many to get to their first choice of university or to attain grades which will allow them to access suitable employment or an apprenticeship is fantastic."

Students who particularly stand out for their achievements include Imogen Edwards who was awarded A*AB in business studies, geography and English literature; Jess Knowles who was awarded A* AB in drama, English literature and Spanish; Chloe Laight who gained ABB in health, business studies and psychology; Nick Larsen who got ABB in maths, physics and geology; Holly Lewis – ABB in fine art, product design and business studies; Dominic Wills who gained A*BC in product design, maths and physics; and Will Lowe who was awarded ABC in business studies, psychology and geography.

Mr Loveday said: "I am incredibly proud of the achievement of all of our students and look forward to

GCSE results next week."

A total of 255 A* grades were awarded at Acton Burnell-based Concord College.

19 students have gained four A* grades or more; 49 have three A*grades or more and 113 have three A grades or more.

In addition, 40.7% of grades awarded were A*; 78.3% were A*A and 95.5% were A*, A and B.

Principal Neil Hawkins said: "Our wonderful leavers of 2016 have achieved a superb set of results – among the best that Concord has achieved.

"More important than that, each grade represents a personal achievement – the trial of examinations confronted and overcome.

"Their achievements, maturity and fundamental human decency should reassure them that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead.

"I am very grateful to all the academic, pastoral, support and administrative staff here at Concord. Their professionalism and teamwork ensures that our students are educated in a nurturing community that enables them to flourish and to excel.

"I am also grateful to parents of our leavers: their support is absolutely invaluable."

Bedstone College A-level students have performed very well in this year's examinations.

Some 30% of all grades were at A*to A, and five out of 10 of all grades were at least a B.

The top performers were Abby Rozee and Julia Wojtowicz who both achieved A*AA, while James Fox secured his place at The University of Reading to stufy international relations with A*AB. Abby will be studying mathematics at the University of Lancaster, and Julia will studying architecture at the University of Bath.

Emily Kindermann, having achieved an A* grade at GCSE German two years early in 2013, continued in the same vein by achieving an A* in A-level German with a score of 98%.

Headmaster, David Gajadharsingh said "I am absolutely delighted with the results this year. The students have done particularly well to achieve the highest grades and can be proud to have almost matched the best results that students at Bedstone have ever produced. It simply shows that, regardless of perceived ability, given the right environment, support and guidance, young people can go on to achieve fantastic things. "Bedstone College was the top ranked school in the Department of Education performance tables for GCSE (EBacc) in Shropshire and Herefordshire in 2015. These A- level results, combined with the good news regarding our recent ISI Inspection report, cement the college's place as one of the leading independent schools in the region."

Staff and Students at The Maelor School, Penley, were delighted at this years' record A-level results.

43% of all A levels taken achieved the top grades of A or A*.

Headteacher Simon Ellis said "I am delighted with the achievement of these students, we have been working very closely with Oxford and Cambridge university as part of a project called SEREN aiming to stretch the most able and make sure that they reach their potential."

They will take up places at elite universities such as Cambridge and Imperial College to study sciences and mathematics, proving that girls only education creates a robust learning environment for so-called 'STEM' subjects.

Adcote School is thrilled to announce another successful set of A-level equivalent results including 50% at A* and A grade.

Over 50% of students got A*/A in maths and further maths. Three quarters of AS maths students gained A with many achieving 100 out of 100 on individual units.

Adcote's new head Diane Browne said: "In a climate of increasing competition and rigour in the examination system, this is a truly pleasing set of results, proving that Adcote girls work hard, cope well with pressure and succeed where others might not.

"We congratulate all of our students and wish them all the best for their futures."

Ysgol Rhiwabon is proud of the achievements of this year's students as they prepare for university or the world of work.

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

Notable areas of success this year were 100% pass rate at level three, 72% pass rate A to C, 100% pass rate at the demanding Higher Welsh Baccalaureate qualification where 95% of the results are at either B or A grade.

Excellent results in all vocational subjects, where almost half of the results are Distinction or Distinction Star level.

Headteacher, Mrs Ferron-Evans said: "We are very proud of our sixth form students. This year's results reflect a huge amount of hard work across a broad range of subjects from the students and staff in the school.

"These results will allow our youngsters rich opportunities to further their studies at university or to enter the world of work as confident individuals. We wish them continued success in the future."

Bishop Heber High School in Malpas had 52% of all A-level grades at A*to B, with 26% A*or A grades, and an impressive 10% of all grades awarded being A*.

Many students will now be taking up their places at universities across the country or in apprenticeship schemes, whilst others will be entering employment or taking gap years abroad.

Performance across all subjects was strong, but of particular note are the maths results where 93% of students achieved A* to B grades, while in art, English literature, theatre studies, further maths and French over 80% of grades achieved were A* to B.

At Ysgol Dinas Brân in Llangollen the overall the pass-rate was 99%, with over half of all grades awarded at A*-B.

There were some outstanding individual successes.

Charlie Hackforth, sitting his A-levels a year early, achieved two A* grades in biology and history and an A grade in psychology. Charlie will now go on to study biological sciences at St Hilda's College, Oxford University.

Andrew Melville, also taking his exams a year early, achieved two A* grades in maths and further maths and an A grade inphysics. He will now go onto to study maths at Imperial College, London University.

Joshua Jones, year 13, achieved an A* in psychology and A grades in biology and history. He will now study biological sciences at Balliol College, Oxford University.

Michael Liu did exceptionally well too achieving an A* in art and two A grades in maths and physics. Michael will now progress to study accounting at Manchester University.