A Level students in Swindon seem to have bucked the national trend of lower success rates.

Overall they have exceeded the national pass rate for A-E marks. Whereas the national rate of passes has dropped from 97.9 last year to 97.6 per cent, SWindon managed to stay at 97.9 per cent.

And some of the town’s towns school’s and sixth forms and colleges have been reporting either an increase in the pass rate or in some cases their best ever figures.

New College in Queen’s Drive saw an increase in its total pass rate of one per cent with a 4.3% increase in A*-B, grades- meaning more than 40% of all grades achieved form its 1,119 entries were A*-B this year.

One student who had excelled was Ciara Lewis who achieved three A grades in Classical Civilisations, Politics and Government, and History, at A Level as well as A grades at AS Level for Ancient History and English Literature. She said: “I’m so happy and I’m buzzing; all my hard work has really paid off. I’m going to the University of Oxford to study Ancient and Modern History. It’s been a lengthy process to apply and get to this point, but so worth it.”

Principal and CEO of New College Carole Kitching said: “This is a really excellent performance by our A level, AS level and vocational students, continuing a trend of year on year improvement and this year seeing a significant increase in the percentage of high grades too. It’s fantastic to see so many young people and adults achieving their goals and moving on to higher education, apprenticeships and work. Congratulations and the best of luck to all of them and thanks to the brilliant teachers and support staff here at New College.”

One student who had excelled was Ciara Lewis who achieved three A grades in Classical Civilisations, Politics and Government, and History, at A Level as well as A grades at AS Level for Ancient History and English Literature. She said: “I’m so happy and I’m buzzing; all my hard work has really paid off. I’m going to the University of Oxford to study Ancient and Modern History. It’s been a lengthy process to apply and get to this point, but so worth it.

At Ridgeway School in Wroughton, principal James Povoas was also pleased with pass rates of 96 per cent A*E grades, with nearly a quarter, at 23 per cent achieving A* or A a 10 per cent increase. Fully 45 per cent of exams were A* to B grades.

Mr Povoas said: “We’re delighted to have record numbers of students achieving higher grade passes. Our students can look forward to fantastic futures – whether at university or in employment or apprenticeships and training. I want to congratulate them all.

“As ever, I want to thank our wonderful staff who have been instrumental in helping our sixth formers achieve these great results. I’d also like to recognise the parents for their support in achieving these results.”

At Swindon Academy in Beech Avenue , the overall pass rate was 99.8 per cent for A Level and equivalent qualifications. For applied general courses, the academy’s results were particularly strong, with 68% of entries achieving the top grades of Distinction or Distinction*. The academy was particularly pleased its Value Added score – which records students’ rates of progress from GCSE – also remained strong, demonstrating the extra improvement made by its sixth formers.

Executive principal Ruth Robinson, said: “I would like to congratulate our Sixth Formers celebrating their results today. Their sustained hard work over the past two years, and continued commitment to achieve their potential, has now paid off and this is borne out in their strong rates of progress.

“What is particularly pleasing is that so many of our students are taking up places at their university of choice and are able to move on successfully to the next stages of their lives – be that higher education, training or employment. I wish them all the best of luck for the future.”

At Commonweal School staff were celebrating their first student headed to Oxbridge, just four years after the Old Town school’s sixth form opened its doors.

Ruth Flame hopes to one day become a barrister. The 18-year-old from Old Town is heading to New College, Oxford, to study law after securing A* results in law, sociology and psychology.

She said: “I feel so happy – and relieved. I’ve worked really hard for it. I would love to be a barrister. That’s the big dream. I did the law A-level, but I hadn’t really considered a career in law before then.

“I just find law so interesting. We went to the Old Bailey with school and that was amazing. It was a little surreal being there, seeing people on trial. It’s what you read about.”

More than 100 students picked up their A-level results, with the school enjoying a 95 per cent A*-E pass rate. A third of results were at A*, A or B grade.

Bob Linnegar, headteacher, said he was delighted with his students’ results: “They are testament to the hard work and commitment shown by students and staff through two challenging years of study.”

The students at Royal Wooton Bassett had also excelled. Fully 98 per cent had passed their A Levels A8-E, significantly higher than the national average.

Head of sixth form Angela Bell said: “It has been a challenge for both students and teachers, but all have really stepped up to the plate and worked hard.The teaching staff had a little bit more confidence in delivery this time and the students didn’t know any different so for them it was not so much of a shock.”

St Joseph’s Academy had only 38 students receiving results this year as the school is closing its sixth form from next year.

Nevertheless the students did well. The overall pass rate was 97.8 per cent, with 100 per cent passes in 16 of 19 subjects.

The Head of School, Jerry Giles, said: “We are thrilled for all the students who have done so well here at St. Joseph’s. The fantastic results they achieved this year are a testament to the hard work they all put in to their A level courses, and the quality of these results also reflects the outstanding support they have had from their teachers and parents. Well done to all of them, and we wish them every success whatever the future now holds for them.”

Lydiard Park Academy was celebrating its best ever set of A Level results. There was a 100 per cent pass rate at A*-E and 43 per cent passed at A*-B.

Operational Principal Gary Pearson said: “I am delighted with the results this year as it reflects the dedication of both students and staff. It has been wonderful to see the students pick up their results this morning, excited to be moving on to their first choice of university or apprenticeship. I look forward to welcoming them back during the year to inform and inspire our current students about university life.”

University Training College’s students were also thrilled. The college, which specialises in engineering and digital technologies, saw grades continue recent years’ high levels of performance in these areas with over 70% of grades awarded at starred Distinction or Distinction level (equivalent to A-level grades A-B) and 100% at Level 3 achieving a pass or better -equivalent to A-level grades A*-E.