STUDENTS should be proud of their A-level achievements in the face of such heightened competition for university places, the chair of St Albans and Harpenden Secondary Headteachers has said.

STUDENTS should be proud of their A-level achievements in the face of such heightened competition for university places, the chair of St Albans and Harpenden Secondary Headteachers has said.

Elizabeth Hitch, who is also the headteacher of Beaumont School, said the results across the board demonstrate the outstanding successes of local secondary schools and their pupils.

She continued: “Students across the district have every reason to be proud of their success with so much pressure on them to meet targets and gain university places. They are a credit to their families and to themselves.

“According to national figures, the reduction in places available at universities this year will have an impact on students across the UK.”

She added: “Students in St Albans and Harpenden have worked very hard under the guidance of excellent teachers to gain their qualifications and it is always a concern in schools when the goal posts are moved during an application year. It is hoped that every student in the district who wishes to go to university this next year will gain a place at a university of their choice.”