STUDENTS across East Lancashire have been celebrating another successful year of A-Level results.

Schools and colleges maintained or improved pass rates, with some achieving 100 per cent success in all subjects.

For the second year running, there has been a fall nationally in the top marks awarded to students, with just over a quarter given A or A* grades.

Officials put the drop down to the increase in youngsters taking sciences and maths.

Once again, girls gained more A*s and A grades, however it was the boys who were awarded the most A*s.

Ag6, the sixth form at Alder Grange School in Rawtenstall, celebrated as students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate in 18 subjects.

Headteacher David Hampson said: “The overwhelming majority of students earned the university place of their choice which shows how talented and hardworking they are.”

There was also a 100 per cent pass rate at Accrington Academy, where there was a fourfold increase in students achieving A*s and As.

Principal Andy O’Brien said: “All our students really have exceeded expectations, achieving excellent grades.”

Staff and students at Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form were celebrating with all students passing their exams.

Principal Amanda Melton said: “I am thrilled for students who have worked extremely hard.”

Record-breaking results were also seen at Darwen Academy, where for the first time, the overall pass rate reached 100 per cent.

Principal Brendan Loughran said: “Credit goes to the students who have worked extremely hard to gain the best set of results achieved at the academy.”

The number of passes at St Christophers CofE High School, in Accrington, climbed to 99.4 per cent compared to 94 per cent last year.

Of those 82.5 per cent achieved A* to C grades.

Headteacher Alasdair Coates said: “I am impressed by our students and confident they will continue to profess the values of St Christopher’s.”

Principals at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School and St Wilfrids’s CofE Academy, both in Blackburn, also praised the efforts of their students and staff.

Stuart Smith, headteacher at Thomas Whitham sixth form, in Burnley, said the 98 per cent pass rate were the best the school had ever had.

He said: “We are thrilled we are proving to be the place for students to study who are aiming for the very best universities.”

St Mary’s College, in Blackburn, principal Frank Dixon said: “Our students’ dedication has allowed them to excel in all areas.”

Haslingden High School recorded half of all papers awarded an A* to B grade. Headteacher Mark Jackson said: “The vast majority of students are off to their first-choice university and we wish them well.”

Ian Clinton, who is leaving Blackburn College in December, said standards had remained high with a 99 per cent pass rate.

He said: "Our results are again exceptional and exactly what the staff and students deserve."

And Burnley College principal Hugh Bramwell said they’d had a ‘record-breaking year’, with 99.8 per cent of students passing their exams.

He said: “The incredible results are a credit to students’ hard work and determination.”