BURY students proved they are once again top of the class as the agonising wait to receive their A Level Results finally came to an end.

Young sixth formers from Holy Cross, Bury Grammar School and Bury College were left jumping for joy as they celebrated achieving top marks and landing places at universities around the country.

Many had even further reason for beaming smiles as they succeeded in taking on new challenges posed by the linear A Levels introduced this academic year.

Holy Cross College celebrated 54 per cent of grades at A*, A or B with 82 of its students achieving at least three A*/A grades.

Overall the college enjoyed a pass rate of 98 per cent, and 23 A Levels achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

Principal of Holy Cross, David Frost, said: “I am more proud than ever and delighted for both our students and our staff at the exceptional level of achievement at A Level and BTEC this summer at Holy Cross, particularly to see such a significant leap upward in results.

"While it is always inspiring to see the high proportion of A*, A and B grades, it is doubly so to see these climb from 48% to 54% this year."

It was also bumper year for the college's students looking to go to the country's best universities, with all six of Holy Cross's Oxbridge candidates achieving their offers.

Among the other universities Holy Cross student's will be heading to a in a few months time include Leeds and Manchester.

Mr Frost said: "Because of our distinctive ethos, inherited from the Daughters of the Cross and maintained by our Diocese, we are equally proud of students who have worked hard to achieve success at whatever level.

"With an overall pass rate at A2 of 98% ­—100% in 23 A Level courses ­— as usual our students are in a secure position whether they choose university or employment. In every way the college continues to help students achieve their best potential.

"My thanks are due to our hardworking students, our wonderful staff, our governors and all who help the College in any way.”

At Bury Grammar School results were up at every level as both boys and girls once again achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

For the second year running more than a third of grades achieved at the girls school were A* or A, and more than 70 per cent were A*, A or B.

The boys also exceeded last year's success with 96 per cent of grades A* to C, and 13 students were awarded at least one A*.

Bury Grammar School Girls principal and headmistress, Jo Anderson commented, “We are absolutely thrilled for our students and their teachers with this year’s A Level grades, which are the result of much hard work and fantastic team work.

"Our students have shown great diligence and resilience over the last two years but, most importantly, have also really enjoyed their studies and thrived thanks to outstanding relationships with their teachers. I congratulate them wholeheartedly."

The majority of Bury Grammar Schools students will now head off to their first choice universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Warwick and Aberdeen.

Bury Grammar School Boys headmaster, Devin Cassidy, said: “I am absolutely delighted with the results which our students have achieved this year at A Level, and I am especially pleased that so many pupils have achieved their first choice university offer.

"This is undoubtedly the result of well-informed decision making, expert advice and first-rate teaching which our students receive.

"There are also many personal triumphs for so many of our students who have achieved better results than they might have dared to imagine were possible.

"We should also remember that exam results are only part of the education that we provide at Bury Grammar School. That our students leave school as grounded, rounded and intelligent individuals who have the ability to speak to anyone and a desire to go out into the world and make a positive contribution is no accident.

"It is the result of a caring school that supports all our students as individuals and offers so much beyond the academic curriculum. This is a proud day indeed for Bury Grammar School.”

At Bury College more than 800 students are on target to take up university places with significant numbers achieving 100 per cent pass rates and Triple Distinctions.

Many other students have secured jobs or a ready to step into apprenticeships, as the college secured an Advanced Level course pass rate of 98.9 per cent.

Bury College Principal, Charlie Deane, said: “It has been an exceptional year for student achievement. I would like to take this opportunity to wish all Bury College students every success at university or in their chosen career.

We look forward to welcoming our new students this September and working with them to achieve their education and career goals.

Mr Deane added: “The corporation of Bury College is 100% committed to supporting the excellent outcomes of our students and ensuring positive futures. We are extremely proud to serve Bury’s community through education and training.

“Hundreds of learners will now be progressing to university or employment as a result of the positive outcomes they have achieved in their A Levels and Advanced Level Vocational courses.

“In addition to our students’ achievements, learners have benefitted from a strong preparation for their continuing education and employment and leave us equipped with vital skills they need to take on the challenges of their future careers and studies."