YOUNG people in Bolton are on the up after the number of top A-level grades achieved by students soared, while nationally the figures fell compared to last year.

The proportion of A* grades rose by 2.2 per cent – nationally they were down by 0.2 per cent – and the overall pass rate increased by 0.6 per cent to 98.5 per cent, while nationally it stayed at 98.1 per cent.

And in Bolton the numbers of A* to B grades went up by a staggering four per cent, with nearly half of A-levels being marked at the top grades. Nationally, they increased by three per cent.

Cllr Ann Cunliffe, Bolton Council Cabinet member for education, schools, safeguarding and looked-after children, said: “Congratulations to all our students who have achieved exam success.

“To see an increase in not only the number of young people passing their A-levels, but achieving the highest grades possible is extremely rewarding for everyone concerned.

“Each and every student collecting their results should be proud of themselves and I’d like to thank their families and school or college for supporting them along the way.”

A breakdown of results shows that 5.7 per cent of all passes were at A* and 46.2 per cent of papers sat achieved an A* to B grade.

Schools and Bolton Sixth Form College are also celebrating a record year.

Rivington and Blackrod High School, in Horwich, saw its overall pass rate increase from 98 per cent to a near-perfect 99.67 per cent, with 62.3 per cent of grades achieved at A* to B, which was also up from just over 50 per cent last year.

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

“The large majority of students have been accepted to study the courses which they applied for and several students have been successful in their application to Russell Group Universities.”

Bolton Sixth Form College also increased its overall pass rate, which this year stood at 99 per cent, up from 98.5 per cent last year.

The vast majority achieved the top grades A* to B, with 72 per cent of papers being marked at A* to C.

Principal Alex Fau-Goodwin said: “These fantastic results reflect the hard work put in by students and staff.

“There has been an overall increase in grades from last year and our students can be very proud of their achievements.”

At Canon Slade A* and A grades made up more than a quarter of all grades, and almost 60 per cent were at A* to B. The pass rate also increased slightly to 99 per cent.

Headteacher Alan Mottershead said: “These fine results bear witness to the sustained good work across their subjects which the students have produced this year and are testimony also to the high quality of teaching and support which they have received.”

Half of all grades at Thornleigh Salesian College were at A* to B and the pass rate was 98 per cent with the sixth form celebrating the highest A Level and BTEC results in their history with all students achieving a university place.

Headteacher Alison Burrowes said: “Our results this year are testament to the hard work, commitment and total dedication of the staff and students here at Thornleigh Salesian College. These results are the best we have ever had and I am so delighted for our students and their families and I thank them for their unrelenting support that they have given us.”

Turton School also celebrated a record-breaking year with more than 52 per cent ofgrade at A* to B and more than 77 per cent at A* to C. The overall pass rate was 99 per cent.

Sam Gorse, headteacher, said: “The A level results are testament to excellent teaching, a desire to constantly develop and improve our provision and the hard work and talents of our students.

“I couldn’t be happier for our students, their hard work has paid off and their excellent results will allow them access to their choice of university.”

More than 50 per cent of grades at Bolton School boys’ division stood at A* to A, just slightly higher than the girls’ school percentage which stood at 47.2 per cent.

The A* to C pass rate was 0.2 per cent higher for the girls division — 89.3 per cent.

The pass rate for the boys’ division stood at 98.9 per cent and for the girls 98.6 per cent.

Bolton St Catherine’s Academy celebrated at 95 per cent pass rate at A-level and an average grade of distinction in the vocational subjects.

Director of sixth form, Eira Parry said “Once again our students have demonstrated their ability to shine. We wish them well, whether it’s at university, apprenticeship or employment.”

Students at Kearsley Academy showed a year-on-year improvement with a 100 per cent pass rate in a number of subjects, with an more than 70 per cent achieving an average grade of distinction in those subjects.