After several tense weeks of waiting since the exams were taken in June, there was delight and relief on the faces of many students and staff at Ormskirk School this morning when the 2016 A Level results were released.

Headteacher John Doyle commented: “Firstly it is only right that I should congratulate students and staff on their achievements.

“We are in the middle of an unprecedented change in A Level subject matter and assessment which has been a huge challenge to staff and students. A significant plank in that reform is the removal of opportunities for multiple re-sits of examinations and the fact that students’ pass rate actually increased (only three examinations were failed of the 300 that were entered) is very pleasing.

“Also pleasing was the increase in the proportion of high grades since 2015. Nearly 20% of our examination entries were graded at either A* or A which was 5% higher than last year.

“Some of our most able students produced remarkable results which will allow them to pass onto some highly competitive courses at Russell Group universities.

“A growing feature of our Sixth Form is the steadily growing number of students who are taking advantage of the vocational courses we offer, and I congratulate the students on these courses, particularly the large number (more than 40% of entries) that were graded at the highest Distinction* grade.

“It is fitting that in the midst of Team GB’s success in the Rio Olympics the attributes of hard work, organisation, attention to detail and following the guidance of careful coaching that have proved so successful for our athletes have also ensured that many of our students are able to exceed their own personal best and achieve great things.

“Well done to them.”