YOUNG A-Level students across Bury rejoiced as the agonising wait for their results ended today.

This morning, nervous college leavers discovered whether they had done enough to make it to their preferred universities.

There were high standards across the borough’s A-level centres, with Bury Grammar School Boys celebrating record results.

The Tenterden Street school reported that 73 per cent of grades were B or above, the highest percentage of top grades this century. Their overall pass rate was an impressive 99 per cent.

Headmaster Richard Marshall, said: “I am delighted with our A-level results, in particular the fantastic 73 % A*/A/B grades, meaning that almost three in every four grades awarded at A2 were in the highest grade category.

“These results highlight the hard work and dedication of our students, the personalised teaching and support by our highly talented and specialist staff, and the close working partnerships we enjoy with our parents; together, we have achieved this success. 

“Over the last two years our strategies to raise A-level academic standards even further have clearly proven to be successful, and I couldn’t be more proud of the Bury Grammar School Boys family today.”

“Our students leave us as confident, entrepreneurial learners, with transferable skills that enable them to turn challenges into opportunities, enabling them to excel, whatever their chosen field.

“Our students are our school’s finest ambassadors; I wish them every success for the future and look forward to welcoming them back as Old Boys.”

Bury Grammar School Girls once again celebrated a superb 100 per cent pass rate, with 72 per cent of grades at A*, A, or B.

Many girls also took the prestigious Extended Project Qualification, for which 92 per cent of grades were either A* or A.

Headmistress, Jo Anderson, said: “These outstanding grades reflect the incredible talent, ambition and hard work of students at Bury Grammar School Girls. Behind the headline figures lie stories of many girls who have exceeded expectations and achieved results which they might only have dreamed of in the past.

“I am thrilled for every girl who has achieved her own personal goals and is about to embark upon the university course of her choice.

“Our students’ commitment, alongside the drive and support of their teachers and parents has ensured that many girls’ dreams of accessing the best universities have come true.

“At Bury Grammar School Girls, our aim is to transform the life chances of all of our students, to encourage them to aspire to top careers and to aim high; today’s will certainly lead our pupils on the pathway to very bright futures.”

Holy Cross Sixth Form College reported a pass rate of 98 per cent, with a total of 57 students achieving at least three A* or A grades this summer.

Almost half of all grades were B and above, and 24 subjects achieved 100 per cent pass rates.

David Frost, Principal of Holy Cross College: “I am delighted once again for both our students and our staff at the very high level of achievement at A Level at Holy Cross, and even more delighted to see results and value added improving still further from last year’s pleasing achievements. 

“It is inspiring to see such a high proportion of A*, A and B grades. Our students holding Oxford and Cambridge offers have again been successful and will be joining the already significant contingent of Holy Cross students at those universities. 

“But Russell Group and other competitive universities (and Medical and Law departments) will also welcome large numbers of our leavers.

“Because of our distinctive ethos, inherited from the Daughters of the Cross, we are equally proud of students who have worked hard to achieve solid success at whatever level.

“With an overall pass rate at A2 of 98% (100% in 24 subjects) the vast majority of our students are in a secure position whether they choose university or employment. The College continues to help students achieve their very best potential.”

Around 900 Bury College students will be progressing to university, after a reported pass rate of 97 per cent.

Bury College Principal Charlie Deane said: “This is another great year for Bury College students. 

“We are extremely proud of our students’ efforts, outstanding achievements, successes and results. 

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

“Last year approximately 900 of our students progressed to university, and this year’s successes look set to exceed that significant achievement.  I wish all Bury College students every success at university or in their chosen career.” 

At St Monica’s RC Sixth Form College in Prestwich, 18 students came away with BTEC level three grades.

A spokesman for the college said: "A fantastic 18 students achieved a BTEC/Cambridge Technical Level 3 specialist work-related qualification, which is equivalent to three A-levels.

"Many others achieved a qualification in a range equivalent to one or two A-levels.

"Alongside this, our students studying qualifications in beauty therapy, hairdressing and hospitality and catering achieved remarkable success at levels one to three.

"Students leave us to take up their places at university, on apprenticeships and in employment with confidence, ambition and the skills to succeed in the wider world.

"Congratulations to everyone. Their hard work here has been rewarded with excellent results."