HUNDREDS of students from across Wrexham are celebrating making the grade as A-level pass rates continue to soar.

The number of students sitting A-levels at Wrexham’s schools has increased in comparison to the last three years and yet the county borough has still recorded a 97 per cent pass rate keeping up with the national average but slightly lower than the 99.1 per cent achieved in 2010.

A whopping 15 per cent of grades awarded were the top level honours A and A*.

More than 92 per cent of Wrexham’s sixth formers achieved the Level 3 threshold, which measures the performance of students by taking into account all qualifications including A and AS levels as well as vocational and skills awards, a figure slightly lower than last year’s.

The pass rate for students achieving the Welsh Baccalaureate advanced diploma was 96 per cent, in line with 2010’s exceptional results and well above the Welsh average of 83.5 per cent.

The diploma asks students to excel in a range of traditional academic, vocational and skills qualifications, and 70 per cent of Wrexham’s sixth formers took part, a significant boost in interest compared to 2010’s figures when fewerthan half of students took part.

Students at Yale College achieved an impressive 98 per cent pass rate with 26 subjects recording a 100 per cent pass rate.

John Davies, the council’s head of lifelong learning, said: “I congratulate Wrexham students as they celebrate their achievements. These results are the culmination of two years’ commitment and hard work by our young people, supported by their families and schools.

“I wish all our students well as they move on to higher education, training or employment.

“Well done everyone and congratulations.’

Cllr Ron Davies, council leader and lead member for corporate leadership and children, said: “Our young people are to be warmly congratulated for their commitment, hard work and success.

“They, along with their families and schools, can be very proud of their achievements. I am particularly pleased to see the large numbers of Wrexham students achieving the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification now offered at all three sixth form schools in Wrexham.”