THE numbers of young people being awarded the top A-level grades increased in Bolton ­— with the overall pass rate beating the national average.

In total, 98 per cent of A-level entries were awarded an A*-E grade ­— up on last year’s 96.8 per cent ­— with the national average standing at 97.6 per cent.

The numbers of papers being marked at A* to B increased by four per cent to 46.6 per cent, although this was below the national average of 52.7 per cent. Papers being graded at A* stood at 3.5 per cent which was lower the national average of eight per cent but was was slightly above last year.

There were plenty of individual success with schools and Bolton Sixth Form College celebrating a rise in the numbers of pupils achieving good grades.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe, Executive Cabinet Member for Children’s Services said: “Congratulations to our young people and their hard work in achieving to the best of their abilities. I’m delighted the results show improvements in grades.

“These results are a culmination of the hard work and commitment from the students themselves and their school or college in equal measures.

“Whether they go on to university, take up a vocational course or an apprenticeship, achieving the best grades possible will enable them to make the best choice they can. I’d like to wish all our students the very best of luck as they take their next steps in their lives.”

Thornleigh Salesian College recorded an outstanding year with a 12 per cent rise in the number of A*- B grades being awarded.

Headteacher Alison Burrowes said: “With 50 per cent of students gaining the higher grades of A* - B and a 98 per cent pass rate this year’s results continue to build on the year on year improvements in all areas. We are delighted that the hard work and commitment of our staff and students has resulted in theses excellent outcomes.”

At Turton School more than 51 per cent of A-level grades were at A* to B.

Headteacher Sam Gorse said: “Once again we are so proud of our Year 13 students and their results this year.”

Bolton Sixth Form College posted its best ever results in recent years, with 67 per cent achieveing good grades and 96 of BTEC National Diploma achieving Distinction *.

Principal Stuart Merrills said: “These results place the college significantly above the national rates for post – 16 school and college providers and again ranks Bolton Sixth Form College alongside the best in the country.”

Results were up at Rivington and Blackrod High School’s sixth form. The pass rate was just under 100 per cent with almost half of grades at A* to B and the BTEC pass rate was 100 per cent with 85 per cent of grades being at Distinction or Distinction *.

Paul Canning, head of the school sixth form, said: “We are delighted with this year’s results which fully give credit to the hard work and dedication of all students.”

UTC Bolton posted a 99 per cent overall pass rate with 80 per cent grades were A* to B with 44 per cent of students achieving AAB.

Principal Liam McDaid said: "I am immensely proud of our students and staff. Together they have worked incredibly hard this year to make sure that students secure their best possible results and dream destinations."

Number of top grades were up at Canon Slade School.

Headteacher David Burton said: "We are delighted with our sixth form students' results at A-level and in the Advanced Vocational courses in sport and performing arts."

Results also improved at Bolton St Catherine's Academy.

Eira Parry, head of sixth form, said: "Once again this year we have seen an improvement in our results and are looking forward to seeing further improvements over the coming years."

Record results were posted at Bolton Schoo. The girls' division posted 54.5 per cent of all papers graded at A* or A ­— and the school bucked the national trend of boys achieving more top grades than girls.

And at the boys' division almost four out of five papers were graded at A*-B, the highest figure in recent years.

Director of People, Ged Rowney, said: "Congratulations to all our A-level students who have put in a lot of hard work, not just in the last two years, but also at every key stage. They should be proud of their achievements.

"I’m particularly pleased that the results are improving across A* to E grades with a 98per cent pass rate, above the national average. The borough’s schools and colleges continue to work hard to drive up standards and our students have plenty to celebrate with these results. I’d like to wish them well for the future."