THE annual round of A level results has brought success for young people in Wharfedale as national standards rose for the 18th year.

Schools said they were proud of the achievements of their pupils, many of whom are now heading off to university.

One student with good cause to celebrate was Oxbridge-bound Benton Park pupil Peter Barker, who gained an impressive four A grades at A Level, and an A Grade AS Level.

Fellow pupils Jonathan Hersey, Thomas Wainwright and Victoria McHale also achieved four A grades, and Benton Park has several other Oxbridge hopefuls.

Another Benton Park pupil, Jennifer Barthel, was one of the top five candidates in the country in AQA Media Studies.

The school said the results were its second best ever, with 37 per cent of students gaining an A or B grade outside of general studies.

Head of sixth form, David Spalton, said: "It takes enormous dedication from our pupils and staff to gain such superb results. Head teacher Anne Clark added her congratulations.

"These results demonstrate the marvellous team we have at Benton Park, and the fantastic efforts of students," she said.

Results from Ilkley Grammar School have broken all records. Pupils there achieved a pass rate of almost 97 per cent - way above the national average of 89 per cent.

Head teacher Peter Wood described the results as 'phenomenal'. He added: "It is particularly pleasing to be able to launch the new school in September on the platform of these outstanding results."

Horsforth School decided to disprove claims girls are beating boys nationally - three boys gained three or more A grades, while pupil Simon Swaine gained five A grades. He intends to join fellow pupil Natalie Wood, who also gained five As, at Keble College, Oxford.

Head of sixth form careers, Fran Morris, said she has been able to find places on chosen courses for almost all students.

Nine pupils of Leeds Girls' High School gained straight A grades, and Laura Cobden assured her place at Jesus College, Cambridge, with five A grades.

Many pupils at Prince Henry's Grammar School, Otley, gained four A Levels, and a number of exam candidates achieved two or more A Grades.

Guiseley School student Louise Davidson topped her school's results with five A Grades, while many other pupils passed four A Levels.

St Mary's School, Menston, also had its fair share of A Grades - Christian Kinane achieved four, while Helen O'Connor, Joanna Lupton and Sian Wigley gained an impressive three.

Staff and governors congratulated all students who sat A Levels and GNVQs.

Leeds City Council statistics show more than 60 per cent of students in the area aim to go on to higher or further education.