HEADTEACHERS have praised students who have achieved top results in a ‘challenging’ year that has seen significant changes to A-levels.

For the first time, many teenagers will have sat their A-level exams at the end of two years with AS level results no longer counting towards the final grade in 13 subjects and more of a focus on exams over modules and coursework.

Many sixth forms and colleges across East Lancashire have yet again exceeded the national pass rate of 97.9 per cent, which is slightly down on the 98.1 per cent last year.

Nationally, the proportion of exams awarded the highest results rose for the first time in six years with the amount of A* and A grades increasing by 0.5 per cent to 26.3 per cent.

More than one in four A-level entries scored at least an A grade, however among the 13 reformed subjects results are slightly down on last year.

St Wilfrid’s CE Academy in Blackburn saw its results increase for the fifth consecutive year with a 100 per cent overall pass rate.

The percentage of A* to B grades increased by 2.7 per cent to 58.1 per cent compared to last year.

Principal Cath Huddleston said: “This is testament to the hard work and dedication of our students, along with the consistent support and guidance from both staff and parents.

“To secure such results is fantastic, especially in light of the national changes.”

St Christopher’s CE High School in Accrington also scored a 100 per cent pass rate with 82 per cent achieving A* to C grades.

Paul Cuff, head of the sixth form, said: “Considering all of the recent reforms and changes to A-levels, and the fact that this is the first year of results in the linear examinations, we are very pleased that our students have done themselves proud and obtained some excellent results, with some of them securing places on some of the most prestigious degree courses in the country.”

Tauheedul Islam Girls’ High School recorded its best ever results with 99 per cent of A-levels completed at A* to C and 38 per cent A* and A.

Asia Ali, head of sixth form, said the results are ‘really exceptional’.

At Darwen Aldridge Community Academy, there was also a 100 per cent pass rate with 67 per cent of grades achieved at A* to B or equivalent.

David Cane, interim principal, said: “We are proud of the achievements of all our students, particularly those who have faced a range of challenges, yet have remained so focused on their futures.”

Nelson and Colne College achieved a pass rate of 99.7 per cent with 26 subjects recording a 100 per cent pass rate. Of those, 87 per cent achieved A* to C grades - an increase of eight per cent compared to last year.

Principal Amanda Melton said: “I am absolutely delighted at yet another fantastic year of results here at Nelson and Colne College. Well done to the Class of 2017.”

St Mary’s College in Blackburn also topped the national average with a 99 per cent pass rate and 100 per cent for vocational courses.

Jenny Singleton, interim principal, said she was ‘absolutely delighted’.

She said: “Significant numbers of our students achieved either a triple distinction or three or more A Levels at A* or A and will now progress to some of the country’s top universities.”

Meanwhile at Blackburn College, there was a seven per cent increase in the numbers of A* to C grades achieved and a five per cent increase in the number of A* and A grades compared to last year.

In 18 A-level subjects there was a 100 per cent pass rate.

Tracy Stuart, vice principal for curriculum and quality, said: “I would like to congratulate all the students on their hard work and dedication and wish them well in the future as they move onto their university choices.”

Burnley College Sixth Form students were also celebrating after a record number achieved A* and A grades with 91 per cent receiving at least A* to C. There was a 100 per cent pass rate in 34 subjects.

Principal Hugh Bramwell said: “These outstanding results are a credit to the hard work and determination of our students, the passion of our tutors to ensure every student achieves their full potential and the college ethos here at Burnley which is both inspirational and motivational.”

More than three quarters of grades at Westholme School were A* to B with a 100 per cent pass rate in 23 subjects.

Lynne Horner, principal, said: “This year, against a backdrop of significant national examination reform, Westholme upper sixth formers have produced another consistently excellent set of A Level results.”

At Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School 68 per cent of students gained A* to B grades with overall achievement at A* and A grades at 39 per cent.

At least seven will be studying at Oxford and Cambridge.

Alan Porteous, headteacher, said: “The year has been particularly challenging for our students as they have responded to the increased demands of the new A-level courses.

“We are delighted with these results which reflect the hard work and effort of our students over the past two years, and the dedication of our staff who have prepared them so well for these more challenging examinations and have enabled them to achieve so highly.”

At Haslingden High School and Sixth Form 97 per cent of grades were marked A* to E.

Headteacher Mark Jackson, said students have ‘coped admirably with the changes to A-level and vocational qualifications and have achieved some excellent results’.

Thomas Whitham Sixth Form in Burnley achieved an overall pass rate of 97 per cent with a high grade profile of 32 per cent A* and A or equivalent.

More than 90 per cent of students achieved an A* to C or equivalent in at least one subject.

Headteacher Brendan Conboy said: “We are proud of every student and the journey that they have gone on and we look forward to hearing of their continued success as they move on to university, employment or further training.”

At Accrington Academy, 51 per cent of qualifications were A* or A and 67 per cent achieved A* to B which was an increase compared to last year.

Natalie Whitham, who achieved four A*s, will be the first in the school’s history to go to Oxford University.

Andy O’Brien, principal, said: “Once again, our sixth form students have achieved an excellent set of results, with an increase in the higher grades across all subject areas and more students than ever exceeding expectations.”

Alder Grange Sixth Form in Rawtenstall saw the highest ever percentage of A* and A grades with a 100 per cent pass rate in 19 subjects.

David Hampson, headteacher, said: “The results overall are fantastic and reflect both the dedication of our students and the exceptional levels of academic support provided by our staff.”

Meanwhile, at Stonyhurst College, 25 students earned A* and A grades for maths with an overall, 65 per cent of all subject results graded A* to B.

Headmaster John Browne said there had been some ‘exceptional individual results this year’.

At Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, 12 per cent of grades were A*s, 63 per cent at A* to B and 84 per cent at A* to C.

Judith Child, headteacher, said: “We are very proud of our students and absolutely delighted by this year’s A-level results.”

Darwen Aldridge Enterprise Studio also had 100 per cent pass rate for its A-level subjects.