CHESHIRE’S sixth formers were today (Thursday, August 14) on target to exceed the high A level national average pass rate.

With some schools’ results still to be confirmed, projections are that the Cheshire pass rate will be above 97.2%.

More than one fifth of Cheshire entries achieved an A grade. The percentage of A and B grades stands at 46.5%.

Provisional figures for all qualifications taken show that Cheshire students achieved an average points score of 715 – a significant rise on the 676 recorded on results day last year.

Children’s Services Executive Member David Rowlands said: “Each year it becomes harder to improve on the previous year’s results – yet it appears that Cheshire’s young people have once again maintained this excellent record.

“They can be justifiably proud of their success. My warmest congratulations go to them all and I wish them luck in their chosen university or career path.”

Cllr Rowlands added: “This is of course the last set of A and AS level results to be completed entirely under the education authority of Cheshire County Council.

“These results complete many years of first class achievement as one the country’s leading education authorities.

“Students, teaching staff and parents in Cheshire have much to be proud of.”