STUDENTS across Widnes and Runcorn were jumping for joy last Thursday after receiving their A-level results.

Cronton Sixth Form College students enjoyed an overall 99.6 per cent pass rate lifting the Widnes college to fourth in the country out of 330 colleges in England.

Mary Murphy, head teacher at the college, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outstanding A level results our students have achieved this year, especially the increase in high grades.

“The college is also celebrating outstanding vocational results after achieving a 99 per cent pass rate in level three qualifications with 55 per cent of our vocational students achieving three distinctions.

“Many students are now making their way to university and we wish them every success.”

It had been feared a rise in tuition fees could put a number of students off university this year but Cronton College pupil Sian Jenkins, who was awarded ABB and will be studying psychology at University of Liverpool, said it did not make a difference.

She said: “It was never going to stop me going to university and I will probably never pay it all back anyway!

“I couldn’t sleep last night and my mum said she had been tossing and turning too.

“We’re really looking forward to going out and celebrating.”

Head teacher at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic College Gus Van Lauwelaert said he was also really pleased with this year’s A-level results.

He added: “The vast majority have achieved their first choices of university places.

“The results show a year on year improvement and it’s a great credit to the students and staff.”