Plaudits for top performances as a star is born

But the region as a whole had one of the lowest rates in the country of pupils achieving the top mark. Just 6.7 per cent of exam entries from Yorkshire schools received A* stars.

Only the North-East had a lower success rate with 6.3 per cent although Yorkshire's performance did match the North- West.

Students in London and the South East achieved the highest level of A* grades in the country when A-level results were handed out yesterday with 9.6 per cent achieving top marks.

In spite of lagging behind the national average as a region, schools and councils across Yorkshire were still hailing their best results.

Independent schools reported major successes in the level of pupils picking up the top mark – in line with predictions that privately-educated students would be three times more likely to achieve A*s than those in the state system.

St Peter's School in York, Sheffield High School and Bradford Grammar saw about a fifth of their exam entries this year resulting in A*s.

New headmaster at St Peter's Leo Winkley said: "We are delighted with our results and that more than 20 per cent of grades achieved were awarded A*. However that shouldn't undervalue the achievements of pupils who've worked hard to get the best results they can; for many a B grade is a fantastic achievement, representing real graft and application."

State schools and colleges in the region also celebrated A* success. Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton, saw 13 per cent of its exam entries receive the grade while Greenhead College, in Huddersfield, had 11 per cent of its exams get the top mark.

The sixth form college had more than 800 students sitting A-levels this summer.

Elsewhere Thirsk School achieved its best set of results with 27 per cent of entries receiving an A* or A and all applicants securing their university places.

Education authorities across Yorkshire praised pupils' performance. North Yorkshire County Council executive member for schools Coun John Watson said: "We are on course for this year's A-level results to exceed last year's record results – a remarkably high standard. There are tremendous success stories this year for both schools and the students and I am sure these stories will be mirrored in many other of North Yorkshire's schools when the full picture emerges."

Doncaster schools maintained last year's best ever performance with 11 schools earning a 100 per cent pass rate while Barnsley Council celebrated the fact the number of people staying on in education after the age of 16 had increased every year since 2004.

Authority lead member for children's services Coun Linda Burgess said: "I would like to offer my congratulations to the young people who have worked so hard to achieve these very positive results."

Sheffield schools are set to have achieved record results with more than one-in-ten students achieving the new A* grade.

Cabinet member for children and young people's services Coun Colin Ross said: "To imagine so many teenagers across our city are receiving life-changing news is incredible.

"Nobody forgets the day when they find out their results. Many young people will remember it as one of their proudest moments in life – and they certainly deserve to.

"It's easy to draw conclusions from statistics and national trends, but nothing should detract from the achievements of so many individual students."

Students at Selby College achieved an overall pass rate at A-level of more than 99 per cent with 100 per cent success in 24 of the 26 subjects it offers.

Principal Allan Stewart said: "I am absolutely delighted with our students' success, which should enable them to get into the university of their choice."