STUDENTS in Worcestershire have raised the bar again, achieving some outstanding A-level results.

Initial figures suggest the county’s results could be even higher than last year, although a detailed breakdown will not be available until October.

Yesterday, students arrived at schools and colleges to find out the results that will determine their immediate futures.

For the first time, this year’s results included an A* grade, bringing a mixed but mainly positive reaction from headteachers.

About 2,000 youngsters have taken A-levels at the county’s 22 school sixth forms, with hundreds more at Worcester Sixth Form College, Worcester College of Technology and private schools and colleges.

Early indications yesterday suggested 38 per cent of state-educated students had achieved two or more A* to B grades – an improvement on 2009’s figure of 35.5 per cent.

For those aiming to progress to higher education the results could be crucial, especially with fewer university places available this autumn due to government funding cuts.

According the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), A-level and AS-level results rose nationally for the 28th consecutive year.

Councillor Liz Eyre, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for children and young people (12-19 years), said: “This is a reward for the fantastic dedicated hard work of the students supported by their teachers and, last but not least, their families.

“The long wait is finally over and the results are particularly pleasing with early indications pointing to an upward trend.

“With pressure on university places extremely high, it is really encouraging to see students giving themselves the best possible chance of gaining the place they want.”

For those who didn’t quite make the grade, support was available.

Michael Kitkatt, principal of Worcester Sixth Form College, said: “We have lots of advisers in student services on hand until next week for students who need to know where to go next. The key thing is not to panic and to seek some good advice.”

l The University of Worcester hotline – 01905 855111 – has been inundated with calls from A-level students looking for a place on the first day of clearing.

l Worcester Samaritans is available 24 hours a day for anyone wishing to talk. Call 01905 21121, e-mail jo@samaritans.org or visit 9 Sansome Place, Worcester.