HUNDREDS of Worcester teenagers were celebrating today after chalking up a record A-level pass rate.

Students at the city's Sixth Form College made it a bumper year with the 95.1 per cent pass rate the best in the last decade.

This morning marked the end of two year's hard work for thousands of pupils countywide, including 452 at the Spetchley Road college site.

"We're very pleased," said deputy principal Michael Kitcatt.

"This is a reflection on the hard work of the students and skill and dedication of the staff."

James Bakewell, from Lower Wick, will now be heading to Cardiff University to study history after receiving his results today.

He achieved As in geography and law and a B in history.

"I don't think the exams are getting any easier," he said. "We've become more studious."

The college claimed to have two students who achieved marks in government and politics papers, putting them in the top five candidates in the country, and one of them achieved a similar score in sociology.

"We take on students with a range of abilities and we're particular pleased with the increase this year," added Mr Kitcatt.

Alethea Law, from Suckley, who gained a B in English literature and two Cs, in history and psychology, said: "I'm very pleased as I've done much better than expected.

"I'm having a gap year working and then hopefully going to uni next year."

Prospective teacher Sarah Harris, of Naunton Beauchamp, near Pershore, achieved an A in English language, a C in psychology and a D in history.

"I'm over the moon because I wanted an E in history and I got a D," she said. "I'm taking a gap year but I want to study English and become a teacher.

Meanwhile, Annabelle Roberts' parents were said to be ecstatic with the news she passed her A-levels.

"I'm really excited about going to uni," said Annabelle, of St John's, Worcester, after receiving a B in performing arts and a C in media studies. She will complete her English language A-level in the autumn.

"I did much better than expected and my parents are over the moon."

She is now going to Birmingham University to study adventure tourism management.