THE waiting was finally over for A Level students across Wirral after they opened their A Level results.

Teenagers across the borough had spent the summer anxiously waiting to hear if they scored high enough to get into their chosen university or apprenticeships.

Wirral Council said early analysis show a slight decrease from last year in the number of pupils achieving grades A* to B, from 49% to 47% per cent.

The race for university places is tougher than ever this year as students scramble to start their higher education before the tuition fee hike next year.

From September 2012, students could face paying up to £9,000 per academic year. But Simon Duggan, headteacher at St Anselm’s College, said he was thrilled with his students’ results and that the new A* grade is working well.

Mr Duggan said: “We are very pleased with our results which were very much expected. We had a 99.5% pass rate and many of the boys managed to get an A*.

"I think this new grade is doing very well to highlight the top performers and we are very proud that so many students achieved it.”

Also celebrating were students at St John Plessington where results were higher than last year. Among the high-fliers were Ashwin Ajay, who achieved two A*s and one A,and Rachael Lowton who gained one A*, two As and a B at AS Level.

Teenagers at Birkenhead School Academy also saw top grades with students Imogen Welding and Rachel Kan achieving 4 A* grades.

And Sarah Burke, 18, who scored four As and one A* is now looking forward to her university career.

Sarah said: “I’m really happy with my results and can’t wait to study Geography at the University of Sheffield. We will definitely be celebrating tonight.”

Record numbers also excelled in their exams at Weatherhead High School with a 99% pass rate.

Headteacher Neil Dyment said: "I would like to congratulate our students on their success and pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of all staff at Weatherhead."

Other students celebrating were those from The Oldershaw School, which has recently taken academy status.

Part-time model Millie Skelhorn-Duffy excelled in her studies with A*s in Art and Textiles and a B in Media, while identical twins daisy and Grace Kenny obtained a clutch of A Levels between them.

High achievers at Pensby High School for Girls were Naomi Ritchie, Anna Loyns and Rachael Stevens, who all plan to continue with their studies at university.

And A Level Psychology had such an impact on one class at the school that they are all moving on to study the subject at Liverpool John Moores University.

Birkenhead Sixth Form College students managed to score a 100% pass rate across 28 subjects, while more than a third of grades were A*, A or B.

Upton Hall’s headteacher Patricia Young was also thrilled with a 100% pass rate, with 27% of students gaining three or more top grades of A* and A.

Ms Young said: “It is such a delight to see these young women rewarded for their efforts and to witness the pride and pleasure felt by their parents and teachers.

"Congratulations to girls, parents and staff on a hugely successful set of results.”

Councillor Ann McLachlan, Wirral’s cabinet member for children’s services and lifelong learning said: "We are still looking at the results as they are coming in but are satisfied that students are still performing well.

"A level results day can be particularly nerve wracking for students as – depending on the outcome – the race is then on to firm up offers, find new placements, explore alternative options – or engage in what can be some difficult soul searching.

"Whatever the result, I would like to congratulate all our students for their hard work and urge them to take up any offers of help and support from our local schools and sixth form colleges as they make their choices.”