This year's A-level results have reached a record high.

More students have received an A or A star than ever before, and girls performed better than boys at the top grades.

The entries were all based on teacher assessments after exams were cancelled again, due to the pandemic.

Last year, Jersey recorded a pass rate of 99.5%.

This year, Jersey achieved 89.1% of A*-C passes, compared to 88.2% in England.

A 100% pass rate was achieved among pupils who took the International Baccalaureate and more than 90% of Highlands 6th form students got their advanced level vocational/technical qualification.

"I’d like to congratulate all our 6th form students for their hard work and determination. They have faced a range of challenges throughout their studies, in particular the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their learning, schools and families, and these results are a testament to their resilience.

"I’d urge any students who want to discuss their next steps – whether that be further study, going on to apprenticeship, or starting their career – to speak to someone. They can get support from their school or college, or from Skills Jersey’s Careers Guidance Team, both today, and in the coming weeks.” 

"I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Island’s teachers. They have not only supported students on a day-to-day basis over the last 18 months; they have also adapted to a new way of assessing and worked hard to ensure that students are graded fully and fairly on their achievements." - Deputy Scott Wickenden, Children and Education Minister.

Schools in the island have been reporting their students' successes.

Beaulieu says 51% of qualifications taken there have been awarded A* or A.

“I am delighted that our students' efforts, past performance and their hard work have been recognised and rewarded. The majority of our students have been able to access their university options for next academic year. This is a huge achievement during a challenging year.

During these unprecedented times, we have been so proud of the resilience, determination, good humour and grace that all our students have shown in coping with an ever-changing global situation.

I believe that, having dealt admirably with the uncertainty of exam process changes, lockdown, isolation, and mask wearing, our students are now more than ready to face, head on, any challenges that might arise as they make plans for the next stage of their lives. I am thrilled that they have achieved such positive results under difficult circumstances.” -  Andrea Firby, Head of School.

L-R: Emma, Caitlin, Daisy and Josie from Beaulieu.

Those sentiments have been echoed by JCG Principal Carl Howarth who has praised his students 'true grit in overcoming obstacles'.

"As with all aspects of life over the past 18 months, our students and staff have had to respond to an evolving assessment framework. I am inspired by the resilience, courage and determination of our students. The close partnership with their teachers has enabled them to thrive in the toughest of circumstances. I am equally indebted to our staff who displayed such great care and immense professionalism in working with a new system and using their good judgement to provide an accurate - and the fairest - assessment of each student’s performance."

At Victoria College,  93.3% of Year 12 and 13 students received grades between A* – C.

Departing Headmaster Mr Alun Watkins said, "As I sign off as Headmaster of Victoria College, I want to congratulate our Year 13 students on a truly exceptional set of A Level grades - the best in the School's long and illustrious history. Nearly 60% of all grades were awarded at the highest level of A* or A and over 90% at grades A* - C. These are fully deserved and testify to the hard work of our students who have shown great resilience and mental fortitude coping with the challenges that has been thrown at them due to the Covid pandemic."

The total number of students accepted on to UK degree courses has risen by 5% on last year, and a record number of students have been accepted into their first university choice.

Initial UCAS figures also show more than 435,000 people have taken up places so far. 

Need to go through clearing to get a university place? Here is what to do next.

The UK education secretary says the Government expects all universities to be moving back to face-to-face teaching.

Gavin Williamson has suggested those which don't shouldn't be charging full fees.

GCSE results come out on Thursday (12 August).