THERE have been smiles and tears for students with the release of A-levels results today.

In the latest figures released, all of Prince Henry High School's 181 candidates secured passes at grades A to E, with 58 per cent gaining A and B grades.

Eighty per cent achieved passes at grades A to C with 23 students achieving three of more As each.

Bernard Roberts, headteacher, said: “We’ve had a very good year, we’re delighted with it and I think it’s the first time we’ve had 100 per cent pass rate.”

There were plenty of smilling faces at The Chase, Malvern, as candidates secured a 98 per cent pass rate at grades A to E.

Seventy-four per cent of students achieved passes at grades A to C, with 48 per cent bagging As and Bs.

Kevin Peck, headteacher, said: “These results are a tribute to the collective efforts of students, staff and parents and deserve to be celebrated without the usual carping debate about standards.”

Students at Worcester Sixth Form - Worcestershire largest - achieved a 99 per cent pass rate, above the national average of 97.2 per cent, with 51 per cent of passes at grades A to B.

The hard work of 33 of the 554 students were rewarded with at least three passes at grade A, while two of the Food Technology course candidates were in the top ten nationally for results.

Michael Kitcatt, who takes over as headteacher in September, said: “It is extremely pleasing to see all the hard work of the students and professionalism and dedication of staff have again led to such excellent results.”

There were excited scenes at Worcester College of Technology where 95 per cent of candidates achieved passes overall.

In 14 of the college’s 22 A-level subjects the pass rate was 100 per cent.

Dr David Craik, deputy head of faculty, said: “This is a real tribute to the hard work and dedication of the students and their lecturers.

“And it’s certainly not true that A-levels are getting any easier.”

Hanley Castle High’s students achieved a 97 per cent pass rate overall with 73 per cent at grades A to C, and 40 per cent gettings all As and Bs.

Of the 50 candidates enrolled, five got all straight A passes with at least one student off to read at Oxbridge.

Rob Haring said: “We’re very pleased with the year group’s performance.”

He added A-levels continued to be the best measure for evaluating learning at the sixth form level.