SIXTH formers at Wokingham Borough schools had much to celebrate after Thursday's A-level results were published.

The proportion of students across the borough achieving the highest A* to A grades remained high at 22 per cent overall.

Some 48 per cent of students achieved grades in the A*to B in their papers.

On average, 74 per cent of students achieved A*to C grades, and whilst this may not be quite as high as previous years, it reflects a dip seen in the national average figures.

This year a further 11 subjects were added to the 13 subject areas from 2017 which are no longer divided into modules for ongoing assessment, with much greater emphasis placed on those all-important June examinations.

This means that even more students in 2018 had to maximise that one important opportunity in the summer to demonstrate their learning.

Wokingham Borough Council's executive member for children’s services, Cllr Pauline Helliar-Symons said: "Congratulations to all the students on these results. This sort of success comes from three elements. First and foremost, the hard work, dedication and commitment of the students to their subjects; secondly the interest taken by parents and their support over many years of education; and thirdly, we have some staggeringly good teachers who have worked incredibly long hours to guide students through their studies.

“I'd like to thank them all for their efforts, and especially to say 'well done' to the students who achieved the results they wanted, and wish them all every success as they consider their futures."

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Emmbrook School

Students at Emmbrook School were celebrating a fantastic set of results, with more than 20 per cent of papers being awarded A* or A grades.

Fifty per cent of grades came in at A* to B, while 75 per cent were graded A* to C.

Top student William McClymont scored three A* in maths, further maths and physics; Torin Fastnedge received one A* and two As in maths, further maths and chemistry; William Davitt achieved three As in maths, further maths and computer science; and Jamie Fowler took home three As in maths, English literature and history.

Headteacher Paul O'Neill said: "These results are a credit to all of our students' hard work, their families’ support and the relentless commitment of their teachers to achieve the very best outcomes possible. This year in particular, we are delighted to have exceeded our ambitious targets for the proportion of grades achieved at the highest level. We are determined that pupils should achieve outstanding results and our actions to secure this are driving rapid improvements across the school."

Pete Ging, the Sixth Form Leader said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the outstanding success of our students in their A-Levels this year. Students have worked incredibly hard over the course of their two years in the Sixth Form and their diligence has definitely paid off, with the majority looking forward to the excitement of progressing to their chosen universities.

"As in previous years, our top performing students have achieved results that put them amongst the highest achievers in the country.

"Additionally, across all of our students there has been fantastic success with many students not only achieving entry requirements for the next stage in their education but exceeding these requirements considerably.

"Any journey through A-Levels is a challenging and stressful one and I am incredibly proud of each and every one of our students in their achievements. I look forward to hearing from all of them in the near future as they embark on the next phase of their lives and I am certain that, whatever path they take, it will be filled with as much success as they have experienced today."

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The Forest School

Despite the recent changes to A-Level exams and coursework, students from The Forest School proved they are a cut above the rest by producing a brilliant set of results.

An incredible 94 per cent of students landed a place at their first choice university, with remaining students progressing into employment or degree apprenticeships.

More than 34.3 per cent of students achieved A* to B grades, with more than 62 per cent achieving A* to C.

Stuart Jackman, Head of Forest Sixth said: "Congratulations to all students and staff on their preparation and performance, once again we are delighted to celebrate their hard work, determination and their success, and wish them all the best for the future, whatever they choose to do."

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The Holt School

Girls from The Holt School had cause for celebration as 99 per cent of students passed their exams.

A terrific 30.3 per cent of students achieved A* or A passes, while 57.9 per cent scooped A*s, As or Bs.

A dozen students achieved at least three As and A*s, and a further 13 achieved at least two As and A*s.

Co-headteachers Anne Kennedy and Katie Pearce said: "We are very pleased with another excellent year of A Level examination results. Our students were a great year group who worked very hard and are fully deserving of their success. There were many instances of individuals who did exceptionally well; many of whom exceeded their target grades.

"Thank you to our dedicated staff for all their hard work; thanks must also go to the parents for their continued support which we have very much appreciated.

"We wish all our students the very best as they move on to university, apprenticeships or employment."

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Reddam House

A nail-biting wait for results came to an end on Thursday for students at Reddam House in Sindlesham.

The school saw its first ever student to gain a place at Cambridge, and 31 per cent of grades were marked at A or A*.

Principal Tammy Howard said: "It goes without saying though that our focus on the day is always on the individual; we are so proud of all our students, many of whom achieved personal bests in the examinations. These exams open doors to the next step of their education, and we are delighted to see so many of you off to your chosen universities to study."

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St Crispin's School

A quarter of students from St Crispin's School opened their envelope to find top marks on Thursday.

Twenty-five per cent of students gained A or A* grades, while 50 per cent scored A* to B. The overall pass rate for the school was 99 per cent.

Top student Thomas Cornish will head to Exeter to read Mathematics after scoring an A* and two As, while Elinor Harvey will take her identical grades to the University of Nottingham to read Geography.

Jay Le Papin achieved a hat-trick of A grades, landing a place at the University of Sussex to read Computer Science, where he will join Matthew Lucas, whose A*, A, B results will allow him to study Business and Management Studies.

Headteacher Ginny Rhodes said: "We are so proud of our students’ achievements: these results reflect their commitment to their studies and hours and hours of hard work!"