STUDENTS across Dorset celebrated A-level success yesterday.

Thousands collected their results, with many achieving places at universities or securing apprenticeships.

At QE School in Wimborne, a record 54 per cent of students achieved top grades, with 82 per cent achieving A* to C and an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.

Director of Post 16, deputy head Katie Boyes said: “I am delighted for our students.

"They have worked incredibly hard."

A total of 340 students sat their exams at St Peter's Sixth Form in Southbourne this year, with the proportion of grades at A* and A increasing to 22 per cent.

Head David Todd said: "We have a strong tradition of providing excellent A-level teaching."

Sixth formers at Poole's Magna Academy remain in the top one per cent of schools and colleges nationally for progress in BTEC grades.

Assistant principal and director of the sixth form, Loretta Conway, said: "I’m so proud of everything our students have achieved."

Phil Keen and Eluned Pickup, who are acting heads at Corfe Hills in Broadstone, said 98 per cent of students achieved grades A* to E, with 39 per cent at grades A* to B.

“We want students who leave Corfe Hills to be successful in their academic achievements and to share a love of learning," the heads said.

This year's A-level results are among the best achieved at Highcliffe School.

In total, 29 per cent of all grades achieved at the school were A* and A grades, with 60 per cent claiming A*, A and B grades - an increase of five per cent on 2015.

The overall pass rate at Brockenhurst College is 98.5 per cent.

Almost 45 per cent gained A* and B grades, with three-quarters achieving A* to C grades across all their subjects.

Principal Di Roberts CBE said: “I am tremendously proud of our students’ achievements."

Students at Bournemouth School for Girls achieved 73 per cent A* and B grades, while nine girls claimed three or more A* results and 57 two or more A grades.

Head Alistair Brien said the "fantastic" results are a "real credit to both the girls and staff".

Angharad Holloway, head of Talbot Heath School, said: "Pupils were extremely successful in attaining a place for their university of choice.

"I am really thrilled for them. They have done so well."

Two students from Arnewood are off to study at Oxford University in September.

Tegan Gears and Rachel Robinson scored A*s across the board, topping off a successful results day for the New Milton school.

More than half of its students – 52 per cent - achieved A* to B grades, up five per cent on last year.

A total of 71 students at Poole High School are holding offers for university places, with a "significant proportion" at Russell Group establishments, head of sixth form Paul Gray said.

A number of students have also secured apprenticeships at local and national companies.

Students at Bournemouth School achieved 83 per cent A* to C grades this summer.

Head Dr Dorian Lewis said: “We are all delighted by our students’ achievements.

"Their results are just reward for all their efforts over the last two years. "

Ferndown Upper School students attained the school's best-ever year for sixth form results.

In total, 26 per cent of students achieved A* or A grades - a nine per cent rise on the previous year - while 49 per cent claimed A*, A and B grades, an eight per cent increase on 2015.

Head Philip Jones said: “We are thrilled with the outstanding success of our students."

Bournemouth’s Avonbourne Sixth Form is celebrating a 100 per cent pass rate.

Every Avonbourne sixth former who sat their A–levels this year achieved an A* to E grade and of those, 73 per cent scored the top A* to C grades.

Students at St Edward’s School in Poole are celebrating a 99 per cent A* to E pass rate this summer, with 42 per cent achieving A*, A or B grades.

Twins Thomas and Matthew Barrett celebrated two A*s, three As and a B between them.

Headteacher Pola Bevan said: “We are absolutely delighted with the A-level results this year, maintaining an excellent tradition of success at the school."

Poole Grammar School students achieved an 58.8 per cent pass rate at grades A* to B.

Head Andy Baker said: “It is really good to see so many smiling faces as they opened their result envelopes.

Teachers at Parkstone Grammar School say they are "delighted" with students after 74 per cent achieved A* to B grades this year.

A total of 90 per cent achieved A* to C grades, and 99.8 per cent passed with A* to E grades.

The majority of students at St Mary's Shaftesbury achieved their first choice university, with girls accepting places at universities including Oxford, Exeter, Edinburgh and Bristol.

Director of studies Christopher Enos said: "This year’s tremendous results are a great credit to the hard work and determination of all students and staff.

"We are very proud of the girls and wish them well on the next exciting stage in their lives.”

72 per cent of Lytchett Minster School students have claimed A* to C grades.

Headmaster Andrew Mead said: “We have been greatly inspired in recent weeks by the phenomenal achievements of our Olympic athletes.

"I feel that our sixth form students have achieved the academic equivalent of gold medals with these brilliant results and they should be very proud of themselves."

Ringwood School students achieved a 99.6 per cent pass rate between A* and E grades in 34 different subjects.

Head Chris Edwards said: "My congratulations go to all the students who have worked so hard over the past two years to achieve these excellent results – I am incredibly proud of all of them."

Athlete Harry Jones has netted three A-levels while representing England at volleyball.

The talented LeAF Studio student scored an A in English literature and two Bs in biology and media studies – and during the exam period he also played for England U20 Beach Volleyball in the European Championships in Turkey and England U21s at the World Championships in Switzerland.

The overall pass rate for LeAF Studio was 99 per cent.