Results - among the best ever

Help is on hand from a variety of organisations for those who are unsure about their next move or who failed to get the grades they needed.

Meanwhile, many students were still celebrating their achievements.

Malvern College announced eight pupils had achieved three or four grade As.

The school said 96 per cent of subjects were passed, with 28 per cent at grade A.

"When considering the results, the fact many of our brightest pupils have already taken the International Baccalaureate has to be taken into account," said headmaster Hugh Carson. "These averaged the A-level equivalent of between grades AAB and ABB."

The school predicts half of its sixth form will take the IB instead of A-levels by 2002.

Meanwhile at nearby St James's School, the Sir John Harvey Jones School for International Business celebrated a 100 per cent pass rate in Advanced GNVQ Business Studies.

Headmistress Stephanie Kershaw said she was "delighted" so many of the school's girls were joining the ranks of successful businesswomen.

In Kidderminster, Holy Trinity School announced a 99.5 per cent pass rate. Ninety per cent of the grades achieved by the all-girl sixth form were at A-C.

Among the successes were Charlotte Upton, who achieved four As, and Catherine Hearnshaw who had three As and a B.

Worcestershire's director of education Julien Kramer said it already looked like another "very good year" for A-level results.

"This is a fitting outcome for all the hard work by students and staff and I'm very proud of them," he said.

"Worcestershire LEA is committed to continuous improvement in all our schools. I'm delighted this commitment is reflected in these A-level results and warmly congratulate the students, teachers and their schools."

6 Across the border Herefordshire College of Technology celebrated after its students performed among the country's top five for the second year running.

Owen Heath, 18, of Hereford, gained three As and was placed in the top five for biology. He plans to study medicine at King's College, London.

Debbie Reynolds, 25, of Hereford, gained two As. Her performance in environmental science put her among the top five. She will read psychology at University College Worcester.

Hotline to help worried

UNIVERSITY College Worcester has set up a hotline to help students worried about their results.

The Clearing Hotline can provide help for those unsure where to go next or whose grades are not as good as expected.

The Clearing Hotline is open now and staff will also be on hand over this weekend.

UCW is holding an open day on campus for prospective students to discuss courses and see the facilities on Saturday, August 19, from 1-4pm.

UCW's clearing hotline is on 01905 855111.

College has the cure for any trauma

Kidderminster College may have the cure for any results trauma this summer.

A team of trained counsellors, careers advisers and subject tutors is running a series of results clinics to offer free, impartial and confidential advice.

Those who have not done as well as expected will be advised about a range of options for continuing their education, ranging from re-sits to vocational qualifications, such as GNVQs, NVQs or work-based training with pay.

A full clearings listings service will also be available in newspaper and internet formats and students are welcome to browse the college's careers library.

The results clinic is open today and tomorrow for A-level students and next Thursday, August 24, and Friday, August 25, for GCSE students and A-levels.

"We held these clinics at the college for the first time last year as there seemed to be very few places for students to go to for advice and guidance at what can be a very traumatic time," said spokeswoman Carly Brookfield.

Those who can't make it to the Hoo Road site can also call for advice on 01562 820811.

Advice service from BBC

A 'ONE stop shop' giving guidance and information has been set up by the BBC.

Student Essentials has features on how to deal with disappointing results, advice on leaving school or college, finding accommodation, understanding student loans, and much more.

There is also a help-line open from 10am until 6pm every day until Saturday, August 26.

The BBC will also show a special hour-long programme on BBC Two on Sunday at 11.40am.

Student Essentials can be found at www.bbc.co.uk/essentials or students can phone 0808 1008000.

Bursary fund for art and design courses

STUDENTS facing financial hardship could receive additional help from Herefordshire College of Art and Design.

The college is one of a few nationwide to have been allocated a bursary fund for students on art and design courses across the county.

New applicants and current students are eligible for the awards, which can be used for childcare, travelling and other course-related costs.

If you are considering a higher education qualification it is not too late to apply for courses starting this October.

They include BA (Hons) Illustration, HND Blacksmithing and HND Photography.

If you would like to know more contact Angela Pretty on 01432 273359.

Looking forward to having time of your life

With students celebrating results this weekend, some may be too busy to even think about moving away from home.

Lloyds TSB Insurance has come up with a few tips to make sure the move goes smoothly and problems are prevented.

* Sort out accommodation as soon as possible before the best choices go is its main piece of advice.

* Staying on campus in halls of residence, if available, gives time to get used to student life while being surrounded by other first year students and is a great way to make new friends.

* Students renting houses off campus should sign a proper lease that protects their rights. If in doubt check with the student union.

* Ask the university what it provides with the room and if any items are not allowed. Make a list before packing so nothing is left behind.

* If taking a bicycle, get it security coded and invest in a good lock.

* Do not leave rooms unlocked in halls, even if popping next door for a couple of minutes.

* Check whether belongings are covered in the event of theft, fire, flood, or accidental damage.

"Student days should be the best days of your life," said Jon Pain, managing director of Lloyds TSB Insurance.

"By making sure you've taken care of the basics you can concentrate on your studies and enjoy your new lifestyle."

For more details call 0845 3000571.

Taking a break before studying again

While many students sweat over their university places there are many others who feel they want to take some time out.

Some of Britain's leading graduate recruiters have overwhelmingly endorsed gap years as a way of equipping graduates with vital skills, according to a report published by national volunteering charity Community Service Volunteers.

All of the respondents, which included IBM and Railtrack, agreed a constructive gap year helps prepare young people for the workplace.

It also provides students with confidence, motivation and leadership skills, which help them to progress at work more quickly.

CSV offers people aged 16-35 the chance to spend four to 12 months volunteering full time, away from home in Britain in areas like homelessness, social care and education.

More information on 0800 374 991 or apply online at www.csv.org.uk

Guidance with a gap year

If adventure is more your thing and you want to spend time getting away from it all then www.gapyear.com may have the answer.

On hand is help to find what you want to do with your gap year, from conservation projects in Brazil to teaching in Nepal, or just surfing in Australia this site will find it.

There is guidance with things like insurance, health and money matters, and fellow gappers will also give handy hints.

The site is for anyone who is either considering, planning or in the middle of a gap year.