WEEKS of waiting came to an end for local sixth formers and college students today (Thursday) as they found out how they had done in their A2 and AS level examinations. And initial indications are that most had good reason to celebrate with schools repor

WEEKS of waiting came to an end for local sixth formers and college students today (Thursday) as they found out how they had done in their A2 and AS level examinations.

And initial indications are that most had good reason to celebrate with schools reporting plenty of Grades A and B in line with the national position where results are better than ever before.

Many students at Francis Bacon in Drakes Drive, St Albans, achieved A and B Grades to secure a place at their first-choice university.

Teachers were in school to celebrate with the students and share their delight at the results, the best at Francis Bacon for many years.

Nick Simms, assistant head, said: "We are also really pleased that so many Year 12 students will be returning to Year 13 because they achieved well at AS level."

Sandringham School on The Ridgeway, St Albans, also reported record results for the second year running. The vast majority of students gained entry to their first-choice university.

Head girl Sherryn Buehlmann and deputy head girl Anna-Marie Linnell both gained four Grade As and a Grade B each with Sherryn now pursuing law at Bristol and Anna-Marie going on to study English at Exeter.

Sherryn thanked head teacher Alan Gray for giving her an outstanding education and so many other opportunities over the years.

Mr Gray said: "The students and staff have worked really hard to achieve these results and I am personally delighted that their efforts have been rewarded so highly."

More than 93 per cent of students at St Albans High School for Girls achieved A and B Grades at A-level and nearly 87 per cent at AS.

Said head teacher Jacqualyn Pain: "No-one should underestimate the pressure placed on students these days to gain the best grades possible nor the incredibly hard work that goes in to achieving results of this calibre.

"I am delighted to see their efforts so richly rewarded and I defy anyone to tell them it was easy."

Oaklands College, the first to make their results public this morning, achieved an increased pass rate over last year with 80.9 per cent of A and AS students achieving a pass overall.

Principal Mark Dawe said: "There are some fabulous successes among our learners this year. The fact that many have achieved good results despite having personal challenges to deal with alongside their studies is fantastic."

He added: "Several of our A2 and AS level subjects areas including biology, English Literature, law, physics, history, information technology and art achieved 100 per cent success rates.

"In addition to this, 100 per cent of our students who studied A2 level English and physics achieved A to B grades."

Further details of local schools' results will go on to this website as they become available.