SIXTH formers in Cheshire West and Chester performed better than the national average in A-level exams, figures show.

More than 2,100 students in 14 schools and the sixth-form college across the borough picked up their results yesterday (Thursday, August 16).

They notched up an overall pass rate of 98 per cent - the same as the national figure.

But 10 per cent of all awards were at the highest A* grade compared to eight per cent across the country.

And a total of 28 per cent of students gained a higher grade A* - A compared to 26 per cent nationally.

Cllr Nicole Meardon, Cabinet Member for Children and Families at the council, said: “A-levels are a testing experience and I applaud the outstanding achievement of students. I also want to thank the hard work of teaching and other staff and the support of parents and carers.

“These results will set students in good standing for their future chosen university or career path. I wish them the very best for the future.

“We do recognise, however, that this may not be a time of celebration for everyone. We are here to offer support and guidance for those students whose results may not be all they had hoped for.”

Over recent years there has been significant change with A-level reform.

Reformed A-levels were awarded for the first time in 19 more subjects this year, bringing the total number of reformed subjects to 44. The new A-levels are linear qualifications, with refreshed content, and examinations at the end of the course.