BRAINY Bromsgrove students are top of the class after scooping some of the best ever A-level results.

Pupils across the town celebrated excellent results with one of the best being Bromsgrove School pupil Jasper Law who clinched six straight As.

South Bromsgrove High School head Phil McTague said he was thrilled with this year's results.

He dismissed claims that exams were getting easier saying the results were down to improved teaching and sophisticated students who knew how to learn effectively.

"It is upsetting to students to say they have not worked hard for their success," he said.

Anita Baxter, the deputy head of North Bromsgrove High School, said she was very pleased with the school's 89 per cent pass rate for grades A to E.

"We're proud of our results and our students. They have all worked extra hard and deserve the excellent grades they have received."

Rubery's Waseley Hills High School headteacher David Thurbon said his school had a pass rate in excess of 90 per cent and A and B passes represented 30 per cent of the total grades.

Chris Edwards, from Bromsgrove School, said A grades there constituted more than 50 per cent of the A-level results, while A and B grades combined represented over 80 per cent.

The school's total pass rate from grades A to E was 99.41 per cent.

Mr Edwards also paid tribute to those pupils who had not achieved As, but given their best who he said should be every bit as proud.

NEW College spokesman Jeff Caseley said its sixth form centre was looking at a 97 per cent pass rate and in 16 out of 19 subjects there was a 100 per cent pass rate.

"Our students have done really well. We are now a very credible option to staying on at school," he said.