A HEADTEACHER told how his students had pulled off an “astonishing” exam performance in the face of the toughest competition for university places for years.

STUDENTS from across the region were praised as sixth-formers celebrated another record-braking year of A-level results.

Overall, the pass rate rose for the 28th year in a row – with more than one in four entries (27per cent) gaining at least an A grade.

Suffolk County Council said that the results reflected an increase of 4per cent on last year.

Almost one in ten exams sat by students at the King Edward VI School in Bury St Edmunds resulted in the new A* grade, an award dished out to only the top papers.

Headteacher Geoff Barton said this morning: ““This is an

astonishingly good set of results at an important time.

“We know that the stakes have never been higher for young people to gain their university places, so we are delighted that our students’ results are so impressive.

“They are a credit to their hard work and commitment, the support of their parents, and the great teaching they have received. We salute the class of 2010.”

Of the 481 exams sat by the 181 students, 81% were given grades between an A and a C.

At County Upper School in Bury 85% of students achieved A* to C grades.

Head Vicky Neale said: “The issue in the news in recent days has been that of students being able to get into university. I am delighted that, even in these difficult times, once again the overwhelming majority of our students are going on to the university of their choice. “Results at all levels also remain outstanding with almost one in five students having at least three A grades.”

At St Benedict’s Catholic School in Bury 80% notched grades A* to C.

Headteacher Hugh O’Neill said: “Once again, students at St Benedict’s have done themselves proud.

“I’m delighted for all of them- not only the ones with headline-grabbing scores, but all of our students who have worked hard to achieve the best they could.

“I really hope that this year’s students do not unjustly feel the pinch of tightening budgets in universities, and that all who have applied for places are successful.

“This is a fantastic group of young people, and, on behalf of all their teachers, I congratulate each and every one of them.”

At Sudbury Upper School and Arts College 67% of students achieved grades A* to C. The overall pass rate was 100%.

Headteacher David Forrest said: “There is very good achievement across all subjects giving a very consistent outcome for students whichever subjects they choose and students have been very successful in gaining their university places in what we all know has been a very competitive environment, with the majority of students achieving their first place.”

At Great Cornard Upper School and Technology College 61% notched grades A* to C, with an overall pass rate of 98.8%.

Heads of Sixth Form Jan Kilpatrick and Carl Talbot praised students for their achievements.

They said: “We are extremely proud of this group of young people whose maturity and industry have reaped another record breaking set of results for the school.”

Deputy headteacher Andy Samways added: “They are great results which will set our students up for their next steps. We are all very proud of them.”

At Samuel Ward Arts and Technology College in Haverhill 81% achieved grades A* to C, with an overall pass rate of 98.5%.

Head of Sixth Form Jackie Walters said they were all “very impressed” with the results.

“The students have been so much more committed and it really reflects their hard work, and that of staff as well.

“It’s quite nice because it’s boosting our sixth form now.”