THOUSANDS of Worcestershire teenagers made history today as they received the last of the old-style A-level results.

While national figures show a rise in the number of passes for the 18th year running, students in the county have achieved the best-ever results, with a record number winning places at the universities of their choice.

Worcestershire LEA said students should be proud of their achievements.

"We have more students taking exams than ever before, and a lot are going to be extremely pleased," said Julien Kramer, director of education at Worcestershire County Council. "We're predicting the best-ever performance in A-levels with pass rates in the 90 per cent plus range."

Schools across the county have reported new highs.

St Mary's Convent School achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, with all 11 girls moving on to their chosen university.

"It's fantastic news," said headteacher Bridget Williams. "I'm delighted to take over this school with such results."

Two pupils, Helen Lewis and Claire Ludlow, are heading for Oxford to read English at St Peter's and law at St Catherine's colleges respectively.

Two students at Worcester's Royal Grammar School, Andrew Jelfs and Eric Rees, have been applauded by their headteacher for coming in the top 5 per cent in physics.

With Andrew scoring five As in physics, chemistry, maths, further maths and French, they are among eight going to Oxbridge universities.

"Our boys have done very well. We're delighted for them," said headteacher Walter Jones. "They have worked very hard, demonstrating that they can do better than last year."

A record 68.3 per cent of candidates achieved A and B grades.

Worcester MP Mike Foster said all students should be proud.

"It's a tense time for them and I'm glad I'm not going through it again," he said. "This day will bring much happiness to many students."

n Celebrations: P5 Opinion: P6