SIXTH form students across County Durham have been congratulated for another excellent set of results.

Durham County Council has praised the performance of young people at schools and colleges within its boundaries as initial analysis show positive results despite further changes to the qualifications they have worked for.

All post-16 qualifications have gone through major reforms in recent years making performance comparisons more difficult than in previous years.

In 2017, students in England took new, more challenging exams in 13 subjects, with 11 more following this year.

However, early indications in County Durham are that students have continued the successes of previous years.

The county’s academic and vocational results including A-Level, Applied General and Tech Level, all look to once again be above national averages.

Schools and colleges have also reported an overall increase in both numbers of students achieving A* to B grades and getting into their first choice universities.

Cllr Olwyn Gunn, the council’s cabinet member for children and young people’s services, said: “We are delighted that our young people have worked so hard to achieve these results and we offer them sincere congratulations.

“Although the full national attainment and progress statistics are not yet available, the overall picture continues to be a positive one for County Durham and one where it is performing above the country average. 

“We also recognise and greatly value the support and encouragement given by our parents and carers.”

Students who didn’t receive the grades they hoped for and those who are looking for careers advice can visit durhamworks.info where they will find information on apprenticeships, recruitment and training for 16-24 years olds across the county.