A DROITWICH headteacher has praised students and staff for their hard work following their school's success in the A-level performance tables.

Cledwyn-Davies, head at Droitwich High School, said it was down to their commitment that the school recorded a high average points score.

The school is in 12th position for all post-16 establishments, and is one of only three state schools in the top 12.

Students scored an average 5.8 points per A-level, just 0.2 behind independent Bredon School.

"This is about the kids and staff working very hard and being careful in the way they plan things," he said.

"It's a lot of hard work and they all deserve praise.

"I get cross when I hear people saying A-levels are getting easier.

"They're not - they're getting harder."

He said that all pupils who applied for university achieved their first or second choice.

The Chase School in Malvern is the county's highest ranking state school in the tables, with 6.5 points per A-level.

"Of course we are absolutely delighted with the news, as this is the fifth year running we have had the best state school results at A-Level in the county," said headteacher David Fawbert.

"The results are testament to the hard work of director of sixth form Aydan Onac and his staff, as well as the pupils.

"It is down to the ambition of staff and pupils, good organisation, hard work and quality teaching.

"We are now working hard towards achieving even better results next year to keep up our good record."

The top schools in the county were independent King's School, Worcester, Royal Grammar School, Worcester and Holy Trinity School in Kidderminster, which all recorded an average score of 7.8 points per A-level.

"I am delighted and very pleased for the students, the result is a fitting tribute to their teachers," said headmaster Walter Jones of RGS Worcester.

"We have very able students and this year's group worked very hard and got the just results."

Pershore Group of Colleges is the highest-ranking non-independent institution for A-levels.

Its students scored an average 6.9 points per A-level, and the school is sixth overall in Worcestershire.