RESILIENT A-level students were showered with praise as they picked up their results as the first cohort to sit their exams since the pandemic started in 2019.

Christopher Whitehead Language College said it was delighted with its students’ results.

Neil Morris, headteacher, said: "I’m really delighted with the results - this is such a resilient year group.

"It’s the first time in three years we’ve done exams so they’ve been guinea pigs in a way.

Worcester News: Nancy Wells and Katie Bosbury with teachers Paul Green, Dot Serafini and Beth MorganNancy Wells and Katie Bosbury with teachers Paul Green, Dot Serafini and Beth Morgan

"They did them in the stifling heat and with Covid going on in the background - we’ve had it all really."

Nationally, A-level grades were lower than the last two years - when grades were determined by teachers as externally marked examinations could not take place.

However, the results were higher than pre-pandemic levels.

Initial data provided voluntarily by 15 out of 24 schools, to Worcestershire County Council shows that the average score across their best three A-Levels was 37.1, which is equivalent to a grade B. 12 per cent of students gained top grades (2 As and a B or higher) in at least two facilitating subjects or those commonly needed for entry to university.

Lewis Guest, who is a student at RGS Worcester. is starting university to study history and politics at the University of Cambridge, having achieved A*AA.

Helen Chevalier is going on to study medicine at the University of Birmingham after achieving A*AA.

The King's School in Worcester said a record 53 students each achieved three or more grades at A or A*. In all, 26 per cent of grades were A*, 54 per cent of results achieved were A*- A and 94 per cent graded A*-C.

Milly Short received a field hockey and academic scholarship to the University of Iowa in America. 

Worcester News: Millie ShortMillie Short

Worcester Sixth Form College had a 99.5% pass rate which was higher than the national average. 

Students like Emmanuel Adesol and Roch Mirski both achieved four A*'s in their A-level results. 

Mr Mirski said: "It was my dream to get into Cambridge university. I've been thinking about it since Primary School, so it's very satisfying."

Worcester News: Edie Allden, Daniel Espiritu, Emmanuel Adesola, James Thatcher and Roch Mirski. Edie Allden, Daniel Espiritu, Emmanuel Adesola, James Thatcher and Roch Mirski.

Students from RGS Worcester had a successful results day as almost every student received their chosen spot at university. 

Worcester News: RESULTS DAY: Ben and Casson HollandRESULTS DAY: Ben and Casson Holland

Overall, over half of all grades at A*/A in such a wide range of subjects and 85% of students received Distinction*/ Distinction in their BTEC.

Katy Marsh received an impressive five A*'s in her levels and is going on to study engineering at Cambridge University.  

Councillor Tracey Onslow, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said: “These results are a real reflection of the hard work of staff and students from across Worcestershire.

"These students and school staff have worked tirelessly through the coronavirus pandemic, to complete their courses and take their exams.

"I want to thank all the teachers, and support staff for all their hard work and dedication in ensuring our students were prepared.

"I want to thank our students for working hard after the challenges of recent years and wish them all the very best for the future, whatever their next step may be.”