Improved A-level results should inspire Suffolk students to fight the best and brightest for the top jobs and university places, a school leader has said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Tristan Sayers (right) and friend Connor Robinson. Tristan achieved two Distinction*s and one Distinction gaining him a place at the East 15 Acting School. Picture: LIONEL HEAPTristan Sayers (right) and friend Connor Robinson. Tristan achieved two Distinction*s and one Distinction gaining him a place at the East 15 Acting School. Picture: LIONEL HEAP (Image: �Lionel Heap 07977 597674)

Although this year’s A-level results show mixed progress, with some schools seeing rises in the percentage of students achieving five A* to C grades and others recording a fall, the county council has organised its Raising the Bar campaign to drive up standards.

That has led to 87% of schools being rated good or outstanding by Ofsted.

And while leaders admit there is still more work to do, Kesgrave High School deputy headteacher Cath Breckell believes the improvements should motivate students to compete nationally and globally for the best jobs, apprenticeships and higher education places.

“I think schools in the area do work together to share best practice and that the results are going in the right direction,” she said.

“One of the most important things is about raising aspiration so that students are open to them.

“We want them to be able to compete nationally and internationally and not just locally.

“We’ve got a track record of doing very well at A-level and I know there’s been a drive to get youngsters to really set their sights high.”

Mrs Breckell also said students are “remarkably switched on about their options” on leaving school and sixth form.