A-LEVEL students across Halesowen and Sandwell have been celebrating a bumper crop of results today.

Sixth formers at Windsor High School achieved an overall pass rate of 98 per cent (A*-E) with 43 per cent achieving A*-B grades – the same as last year.

100 per cent achieved at least one A-level or equivalent and the BTEC average grade was Distinction*. Almost all students gained a place at university to study the degree courses of their choice.

A spokesman said: “We are delighted that the A-level and BTEC results are excellent again this year as our sixth form thrives. “

The percentage of Halesowen College students gaining A*-B fell by 10 per cent from last year to 32 per cent, but 100 per cent earned at least one pass and advanced vocational result s saw a 99 per cent achievement rate.

Once again, more than 900 students will move on to higher education and 32 subjects achieved 100 per cent pass rates (A*-E).

Top results from the college included Emma Rolinson with A*s in psychology and sociology and an A in English literature. Davide Bernardi with A* in maths and As in further maths and physics, and Jacob Davis, with A* in business studies and As in economics and geography.

Principal Keith Bate congratulated all the students on their “exceptional attainment” recognising their “tremendous hard work and commitment”.

He also thanked the staff and praised them for being “highly professional and committed”.

At Ormiston Forge Academy, Cradley Heath, 63 per cent of students earned three or more A-level passes (A*-E), a four per cent increase on last year’s school performance figures.

In addition, 91 per cent of students passed with two or more A-levels and 98 per cent with one or more.

Attainment was mirrored in vocational subjects with students securing “excellent” results, with the average point score per student rocketing to 646 from 554 last year. The average point score per student for A-level also rose from 627 to 692.

Highflyer Chris Hall celebrated gaining A*s in maths, further maths, chemistry and an A in physics.

Vice principal in charge of sixth form Craig Cooling added: “I’ve nothing but pride and admiration for this group of students who have applied themselves so well and worked so hard for these grades.”

Students at Oldbury Academy celebrated their best ever vocational results with the average grade being a Distinction*, with C being the average A-level pass grade.

Top A-level grades went to Kirandeep Sandhu, who achieved three A*-As and will read law at Birmingham University, whilst Jordan Smith secured a scholarship at Aberystwyth University to study history.

Other exceptional performances came from Courtney Wheelwright who achieved five Distinction* grades, and Zak Snow who gained four Distinction* grades.

Headteacher Phil Shackleton said: “Once again, our students have done us proud, achieving excellent results across the board.”

At Oldbury’s Bristnall Hall Academy 100 per cent of students gained two or more A-level passes, up by seven per cent from last year and 80 per cent achieved three or more – a huge 44 per cent increase.

The proportion of higher grades achieved was also significantly higher than in previous years with 78 per cent of grades achieved at A*-C.

Principal Vince Green said: “This year’s strong outcomes for our young people are thoroughly deserved after the efforts of these students and the team of staff.”