GALLERY: A level results from Huntingdonshire - how did your school do?

THE long and anxious wait is at an end for students across Huntingdonshire this morning as they collect their A level results.

Pass rates across the county rose for the 29th year in a row, though for the first time in 15 years there was no increase in the total proportion of students getting A or A* grades (27 per cent).

To see a gallery of photographs of students receiving their results, just follow the link at the top right of this story.

Demand for university places is expected to be higher than usual this summer, as students rush to apply before tuition fees increase next year.

At Abbey College, Ramsey, students produced the school’s best ever A2 and AS results – with 100 per cent of A2 students achieving a pass grade.

Of those results, 70 per cent were at grades A*-C, which was up on last year’s results. At AS level, 94 per cent of results were at A-E, while the top A-C grades improved to 61 per cent.

Headteacher Wayne Birks said: “These are fantastic results for our A level students and I wish to congratulate them and my colleagues for their work in producing these record breaking scores.”

At Hinchingbrooke School, Huntingdon, the pass rate was 99 per cent, with 74 per cent at grades A-C. Nearly half of all entries were awarded A*/A or B.

Thirty-two entries received the A* grades – an increase on last year, the first year such awards were made.

Headteacher Keith Nancekievill said: “This is another year of sustained improvement in our A level results in the context of Hinchingbrooke sixth form being the largest school sixth form in the county.

“The results pay testimony to the professionalism of our teaching staff and the hard work and determination of our students. I am delighted with their performance and I wish them every success in their future careers.”

St Peter’s School in Huntingdon had a record year, with 99 per cent gaining A*-E grades – above the national average – and 63 per cent of results at A*-C.

Headteacher Val Ford said the results would ensure students secured their places at university. She added: “The staff must be praised for their commitment to their students and excellent teaching, but we are very proud of the consistent hard work and determination shown by our Year 13 students. They deserve this success and we wish them well in their future pathways.”

At St Ivo School, St Ives, 75 per cent of results were A*-C, up from 74 per cent the previous year, with one in four of those at A or A*.

Headteacher Howard Gilbert said: “We are delighted for our students. There was more pressure on these results than ever before, as the competition for university places is so high. Most have been with us for seven years, and our aim has always been to prepare them for the next stage in their lives.”

Students at Longsands Academy - formerly Longsands College - were celebrating a bumper year, with the overall pass rate increasing from 97 to 98 percent as well as several outstanding performances.

The proportion of A*-C grades was up on last year’s 69 per cent to 75 per cent.

The same applied to A*-D grades which up were from 42 per cent in 2010 to 48 per cent this year.

Rob Whatmough, executive principal for both Longsands and Ernulf Academies, told The Hunts Post: “These results are better than last year’s and we expect most students to get their first or second choice.

“Times are really starting to be tough for young people and these results are a really pleasing outcome, especially after the demands of advanced study over a two-year period.

“Many subjects have had a particularly strong year, with no fewer than 32 from 38 subjects obtaining a 100 per cent pass rate.”

Over at Ernulf Academy - formerly St Neots Community College – the results continued to build on the success secured in 2010 with the overall pass rate rising from 95 to 96 per cent.

Although the proportion of A*-C grades was down to 55 per cent on last summer’s 58 per cent, there was a rise in the highest grades A*-B from 24 per cent in 2010 to 28 per cent.

Fifteen out of 19 subjects obtained a 100 per cent pass rate.

Scot Preston, director of Ernulf Academy, said: “This fantastic achievement for these young people, particularly in light of the fact that we were put into special measures.

“Their results in Year 11 weren’t good, so it’s down to their sheer hard work that they’ve turned things around and done so well today.”

Mr Whatmough added: “Early indications are that nearly all students at Ernulf who want to go on to university will be able to access their first or second choice.

“For many students there results demonstrate excellent progress from their starting point on entering the school.”

At Kimbolton School, there was another excellent set of results, with almost one-third of the year group attaining at least three A*/A grades and an overall pass rate of 100 per cent.

Twelve per cent of the grades were at A* level, the A-B rate was 78 per cent, and all seven students with Oxbridge offers achieved the required grades.

Jonathan Belbin, the headmaster, said: “These excellent results reflect the committed and conscientious approach of our students and staff.

“Almost all of the year group are moving on to university where alongside their studies, I know they will continue to develop those less tangible qualities such as social maturity, teamwork and a willingness to get involved in a wide variety of activities.”

• Did you get your results today? Post your stories in the comments section below or email editor@huntspost.co.uk