PUPILS at Alcester Grammar School have made A-level history this year.

Headteacher Iain Blaikie praised both staff and students for this year's staggering 99.6 per cent pass rate, which is two per cent higher than last year.

"The new AS and A2 exams have been a challenge to which everyone has risen and the fact that every single one of our sixth formers will be able to take up a university place reflects all of their hard work and commitment," said Mr Blaikie.

"We even had two students who were placed in the top five nationally for their subjects and another crop of good AS grades has made this an exceptional year," he added.

Thirty per cent of all grades were A, which has been unsurpassed.

And 10 per cent of all entrants scored A grades with everything they sat, with many candidates achieving five straight As.

These students will be able to add the marks to their top grades at AS level scored a year ago, along with the equally impressive vocational subject marks.

The number of Oxbridge candidates at the school has also risen and is now in double figures.