STUDENTS from across Ryedale were celebrating after a successful year of A-level results.

Norton College, Malton School and Lady Lumley’s, in Pickering, all saw pupils gaining expected grades, and in many cases surpassing them.

A-level results at Norton College rose for the fifth successive year with the majority of students able to take up their chosen university place.

Dr Simon Carson, deputy headteacher in charge of sixth form at Norton, said: “We challenge all our students to be brilliant and these results are testament to their hard work and commitment, as well as the high expectations and quality of teaching at Norton’s sixth form centre.

“The results build on the success of previous years, acknowledged in our recent Ofsted inspection when the sixth form was graded as ‘good’.”

Another good year of A-level results saw Malton School’s sixth form exceed the equivalent of an average of three A grades per student for the eighth consecutive year.

The average total points score has increased to 910 – 270 points is an A grade – with the national average usually about 780 points.

Headteacher Rob Williams said the other main measures were also positive with the percentage of all grades achieved at grades A*-B was 46 per cent; and the overall pass rate 98 per cent.

“Importantly, the school has added value at least in line with national expectations,” he said. “All this has been achieved against the backdrop of a national picture of uncertainty this year due to the changes in the rules surrounding exam regulations, with all schools unsure of the impact these changes will have.”

Richard Bramley, headteacher at Lady Lumley’s School, said it had been another tremendous year for students at the sixth form,which continued to go from strength to strength. “This particular year group has felt very special and I am absolutely delighted for them for their achievements,” he said.

“This was an excellent set of results with half of the A-levels graded A* to B, over 80 per cent of grades being C or better and 22 per cent of all results were the top grades of A* and A. “This means 94 per cent of students leave us with at least three passes at A -level standard and we continue to have departments performing in the top 25 per cent nationally at A-level standard. “The outstanding grades also mean we have recorded our highest-ever points score per student.

“The vast majority of students will progress to their preferred career pathway including university courses at either their firm or insurance institutions – many at top Russell Group establishments.”

County Councillor Arthur Barker, North Yorkshire’s executive member for schools, said the county has a good deal to celebrate as these top-level results mean its students are well-placed to go on to the higher education course, training or employment position of their choice.

“There is a great deal in these achievements to be proud of and they are a tribute to the application and hard work of students, the support of families and to the dedication of school staff and the quality of teaching in North Yorkshire. “We congratulate our students and wish them all well in their future lives and on which ever pathway they choose to take.”