�Hundreds of students across Havering were celebrating after receiving their long awaited A-level results today.

However, reflecting the national picture, the pass rate for Havering was slightly down. This year it was 96.4 per cent compared to 99.7 per cent in 2011.

Sacred Heart of Mary Girls’ School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, had a pass rate of 99.6 per cent with 61.8 per cent of students receiving A* to B grades.

Assistant head teacher Trevor Bright said: “The students have all done really well and it looks like all their hard work has been recognised.”

The celebrations also continued at Coopers’ Company and Coborn School in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, with a 99.5 per cent pass rate.

An incredible 63.2 per cent of students achieved A* to B grades with 86.9 per cent gaining A* to C.

University

Head teacher David Mansfield said this year there are more students going into work training schemes as opposed to university.

He said: “We have got another year of excellent results.

“This year we saw that it was getting difficult to get the upper grades but we think we did a good job with it.

“The biggest trend we have seen is more students going into work rather than university but we know that they will get the equivalent of a degree along the way because there are some very good schemes.”

There were more jubilant scenes at Havering Sixth Form College in Wingletye Lane, Hornchurch, where the pass rate was 97 per cent.

Principal Paul Wakeling said: “The results are due to hard work, a love of learning and genuine commitment from young people, teachers and support staff.”

He added: “Our students will be pleased to progress to good universities and relevant employment opportunities.”

Frances Bardsley School in Brentwood Road, Romford, had a 93.9 per cent pass rate with 61.9 per cent of students gaining A* to C grades.

Head teacher Julian Dutnall said: “I feel really positive about our students’ results.”