A HOST of A-level students have done St Helens and their sixth form colleges proud by recording outstanding results.

Local education bosses say the number of students achieving A to C grades increased from 72 per cent last year to 74.6 per cent this year, as the borough bucked a national trend that saw performance dip overall.

St Helens Council’s director of children and young people’s services, Andy Dempsey said: “The level of improvements far surpasses the national average. “Students are to be applauded for their hard work which has paid off with such significant results.”

Among the success stories was Rainford Technology College, which came through a turbulent year to see students record a 100 per cent pass rate.

Ian Young, the school’s new headteacher, said: “The results are a testament to the teachers but more importantly the young people’s hard work, talent and commitment.

It was a particularly good year for the girls at Rainford. Leading the way was University of Lancaster-bound Hayley Mars with A*s in English literature and general studies as well as As in geography and history.

Kathryn Murphy achieved As in biology, chemistry and maths. She will read natural sciences at the University of Durham.

Rebecca Rowbottom, meanwhile, achieved an A* in performing arts and As in English literature and English language.

Rainhill matched the 100 per cent pass rate – and in Sophie Vickers (A* in English language, and As in geography, history and law) had a headline achiever.

Beth Morgan, meanwhile, has been offered a place at Oxford to study geography after earning A* in maths and As in further mathematics and geography.

At Carmel College, more than 58 per cent of grades were A* to B and 83 per cent A to C. Overall 77 students achieved at least 3 A* or A grades. Among the shining stars was ex-St Cuthberts pupil Jess Southward, (two A*s and three As) who will be going to the University of Manchester to read medicine.

Former Cowley pupil Jamie Ellis achieved four As, a feat matched by ex-De La Salle students Daniel Pearson (A*A*A*A) and Rebecca Darracott (A*AAA).

Sutton Academy students also improved the quality of their results for the third year.

The majority of their students achieved the grades they required to progress to the university of their choice.