THERE were mass celebrations in schools and colleges as pupils received their A level results.

Many schools in Dorset and the New Forest bucked the national trend and reported an increase in the number of top A* and A grades.

Ringwood School had a 100 per cent pass rate with a quarter of all grades awarded being A* or A, and 83 per cent were A* to C.

The highest individual results were awarded to Chon Hei Vong, Nicholas Malky, Robert Shaw, George Whittingham, Leah Gayer, Jordan Whalen, James Shelton, Shona Graham and Poppy Jenkinson.

Ringwood School head teacher Chris Edwards said: “Not surprisingly, the majority of our university applicants have already secured places at their first choice institutions.

“My congratulations go to all the students who have worked so hard over the past two years to achieve these excellent results.

“My thanks also go to the staff for their dedication and commitment in helping every student to achieve success and to our parents for their continuing support.”

Burgate School and Sixth Form Centre achieved a 99 per cent pass rate with four students securing places at Oxford University.

The highest individual results were awarded to Sam Rogers, Thomas Scrivener, Pippa Radford, Will Carter, Katherine Connor, Laura Baker and Jack Killick.

Headteacher at Burgate School and Sixth Form Centre David Pover said: “I am thrilled to bits with this year’s results, not only because the average grade our students achieved has risen yet again, but most of all because so many of our students have worked really hard to achieve places at top universities. “A new record has been set with four students starting at Oxford University in a few weeks’ time.

“There was a wonderful atmosphere in the sixth form Hall as students opened their results with eager anticipation and hugged each other in congratulation.

“Results day is always an emotional rollercoaster and it is wonderful to witness the reward for all of the hard work and dedication of students and staff.”