THERE were more tears of joy than sadness in Wyre Forest when the nervous wait was ended and A level results were handed out last week, with the vast majority of teenagers bagging the grades they wanted.

Headteachers around the district have been quick to heap praise on their successful pupils and wish them good luck as they make their way in the world.

Liz Quinn, Stourport High School's head, said she was "immensely proud" of her students and slammed critics who claimed exams were getting easier.

She explained: "Many of these subjects required students to take more then nine hours of written or practical examinations in order to achieve these results, so it is very clear how much hard work was involved, even though it has become fashionable to play down the achievements of students at A level in recent years."

Wolverley High School's head, Kevin O'Regan, said he was "very pleased" with the A and AS level results, adding they were "better than first anticipated".

He explained: "I am happy because the vast majority of pupils have done themselves proud and got the results they were looking for.

"We have also seen a big improvement in our AS level scores compared to last year."

Tim Gulliver, King Charles I School head, was delighted with this year's A level 98 per cent pass rate that meant the sixth form kept its Department for Education and Skills "A Grade" status.

He said: "We have had a very good year and both the successful students and teachers deserve praise.

"I would like to say thank you to all of them."