THE NUMBER of top grades achieved in Bolton has fallen whilst nationally they have risen.

But there were outstanding individual achievements across schools and the borough’s sixth form college.

Headline figures in Bolton show that the numbers of papers graded at A* to B stand at 41.6 per cent, down by 4.7 per cent on last year — whereas the nationally the picture has improved by 0.1 per cent from 52.8 per cent to 52.9 per cent.

Bolton’s overall A* to E pass rate stands at 95.2 per cent compared to 98.5 per cent last year. Nationally A* to E has also fallen by 0.2 per cent to 97.9 per cent.

A*s make up 3.8 per cent of the grades awarded, down 1.9 per cent from last year's 5.7 per cent whereas nationally A* grades are up 0.2 per cent from 8.1 per cent to 8.3 per cent.

The town also fared worse when it came to the number of A* to B grades awarded. In Bolton 41.6 per cent of papers marked are at this grade, down by 4.7 per cent compared to last year. Nationally the number of grades awarded is up by 0.1 per cent to 52.9 per cent.

Director of People, John Daly, said: “All of our A-level students have worked incredibly hard to get to this point and they should be proud of their achievements. This year’s students were the first to undertake the new style of A-level and inevitably we have seen a slight shift in the number of those gaining A* to E grades, which reflects the national picture.

“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.”

Deputy Leader of the Council, Cllr Linda Thomas, said: “Results day is always cause for celebration and I’d like to congratulate all our students who have worked hard to achieve the grades they strived for.

"Whether they go on to study at university, take up a vocational course or enter into an apprenticeship, there are a number of exciting opportunities available to them and they should be proud of their hard work and determination to get to this point.”

Cabinet Member for Education, Schools, Safeguarding and Looked After Children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, said: “I’d like to wish all our students the very best of luck as they take their next steps and congratulate them on their exam success. They will have received endless support from their families and school or college along the way, so thanks must also go to them for being a part of their journey.”