KING Edward VI College in Stourbridge is celebrating top A level results yet again.

The Lower High Street college has maintained its position as one of the best in the country, with pass rates of 99.5 per cent for subject-based A levels and 98.9 per cent including general studies, compared with the national pass rate of 98 per cent.

Close to half of the students receiving A level results today (Thursday) walked away with an A or A* grade, with almost two thirds of passes in subject based A levels at grades A*, A or B, compared with 52.8 per cent nationally.

In all, 38 per cent of King Edward’s students achieved the benchmark of ABB, the level at which universities are free to recruit as many students as they wish.

There were 100 per cent pass rates in 36 subjects and A*/A/B pass rates of 60 per cent or more in 24 subjects.

And a total of 39 students gained four or more A or A* grades, 136 students gained three or more A/A* grades and every student in year 13 gained the equivalent of two or more passes.

Outstanding students gaining at least three of the top A* grades included: Tom Barnett (formerly from Summerhill School), Claire Beavers (formerly from Redhill School), Adam Barlow (formerly from Wolverhampton Grammar School), Hannah Bell (formerly from Ellowes Hall), Daniel Blower (formerly from Highfields), Philippa Burrage (formerly from The Earls), Sam Haynes (formerly from Hagley RC High School), Alistair McCue (formerly from Summerhill), Cassie Pearson (formerly from The Kingswinford School), Pria Rai (formerly from The Earls), Sam Reed (formerly from Ounsdale) and Manveer Badesha (formerly from Hillcrest).

Principal Sharon Phillips said: “The best thing about this job is seeing so many bright young people go on to achieve their ambitions.”

She also commended staff and students for their “hard work and determination”.

The college’s AS level students also excelled, she said, with both rates and high grade rates in excess of national averages.