STUDENTS from the Island's five secondary schools have achieved a record pass rate at A-level.

The pass rate - grades A* to E - was a record 98.2 per cent.

It is the first time the A* grade has been used and one student - Amy Paynter of Ballakermeen High School - received five A* passes.

She received her results in history, economics, maths, further maths and general studies and will go to Durham University to study history.

Nearly 370 Year 13 students - 17/18 year olds - were entered for more than 1,250 A levels and more than 230 AS levels.

It wasn't all plain sailing this morning.

Headteachers reported there were problems with the UCAS "track" system which initially left some students unsure whether they had been accepted for their university places.

However most students achieved the grades needed for their first choice or insurance choice universities.

Education and Children Minister Eddie Teare MHK said: "I am delighted with these results and would like to congratulate the Island's young people on achieving these A level successes.

"I would also like to thank the teaching staff in the secondary schools for their hard work, support and encouragement which is so important in guiding students to aim high and succeed.

"Excellent results like these reflect a great deal of hard work by everyone involved and signify many of the strengths in our education system."

Also see: Island students may avoid missing out on university places

              Support available for A-Level students