Students at Halesowen College are celebrating after their A level performance improved on those of last year.

Ninety-nine per cent of students, a two per cent increase on last year, achieved an A level pass in a range of 40 subjects. Meanwhile more than half of those subjects achieved 100 per cent pass rates.

Subjects studied included environmental science, government and politics and physics, with examination entries increasing by 25 per cent.

Principal Keith Bate paid tribute to the hard work and commitment of students and staff.

He said: "Standards continue to rise in an environment of ever increasing expectations. Everyone can be duly proud.

"Our established position as one of the leading A level colleges in the region was emphatically endorsed.

"This places the College well above last year's national averages."

Individual successes included Florentina Soare, from Halesowen, who gained five straight As in Economics, Further Maths, Psychology, French and Spanish. The 18-year-old is now off to study Maths and Physics at the prestigious London School of Economics.

Mark Heywood, aged 18, from Lower Gornal, achieved four straight As in English, History, Psychology and Economics.

Mark, who is now off to read history at Southampton University, said: "I felt sick coming into college to pick up my results, but I am really pleased."

The college also celebrated excellent results in its numerous vocational courses, with the majority of students achieving distinctions.

Mr Bate added: "The College has an excellent reputation for providing one of the widest range of vocational pathways to higher education or attractive careers."

Boys at an Old Hill college led the way with their A-level results, gaining higher grades than the girls.

Proud staff at Heathfield Foundation College have been congratulating their sixth form pupils, after they achieved a 98 per cent pass rate in their A Levels, one per cent up on last year.

High achievers included Ben Riches who scooped four A's, Edward Horton and Ben Dowling, two A's and two B's, Kirsty Walker and Katie Smith, two A's and Paris Plinston gaining one A and two B's.

This year also marked a third more students gaining A-level qualifications, as well as an increase in those going onto university.