STUDENTS across west Cheshire have been celebrating A-level success, despite overall figures being less than national statistics.

A total of 1,836 students from 16 schools, academies and colleges across the area sat the examinations.

With one set of results still to come, pupils have returned an overall pass rate of 97.8 per cent compared to a national figure of 98.0 per cent.

The amount of west Cheshire students achieving the higher grade A* is 6.6 per cent, which is lower than the national figure of 8.2 per cent.

At 47.4 per cent, the number of students gaining grades in the A* to B range is also lower than the national figure of 52.4 per cent.

Clr Mark Stocks, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s executive member for children and families, said: “Once again many sixth formers have worked very hard in preparation for the next stage of their lives which may involve colleges, universities, training or employment.

“I would like to congratulate the students, teachers, support staff, governors and parents.”