Croydon's A level students increased their proportion of top grades compared to last year, bucking the national trend which saw a decrease in A/A* results.

A-Level pass rates in Croydon have remained around 96%, provisional figures from today show.

The figures show Croydon’s children have achieved around 19% A* and A grades, a four per cent improvement on last year.

Croydon’s A*-E pass rate is 95.91% with the A* to C grade proportion increasing slightly from 69% in 2018 to 70% this year.

Ralph Lara, 19 at St Joseph’s College got an A in History and a B in English Literature and Politics. He said: “I’m going to Kent to study law with a gap year.

"I’m spending next year working then I’m going to South Africa to help a great white shark conservation charity.

“I’d already checked the online portal before coming in this morning so I knew I hadn’t got anything below three Bs.”

James Black, 18, from St Joseph’s College, got three starred distinctions, the equivalent of three A’s.

“I’m going to York to study sport and exercise therapy. It’s the direction I can see my career going," he said.

“I’ve been involved in sport at a pretty high level, playing for England U19 in futsal at the European championship. I’d like to get more into the therapy side with the sport as more of a hobby.”

David Garrido, headmaster at St Joseph’s College said: “Everyone’s worked hard and it’s really fantastic year group.

"I’m very proud and the vast majority of our pupils have got into their first choice university.”

Jada Langoala-Walters, 19, from Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls said: “I got an A in Media and Bs in history, English literature and my extended project qualification.

"I’m going to study media and communications at Bournemouth University. I like the psychology of studying media, I think it’s really interesting.”

Tracey Scarsbrook, deputy headteacher at Norbury Manor Business and Enterprise College for Girls, said: “Most of our students have got their first choice of university.

We have some going through clearing because they’ve done better than expected so are going back to providers to see if they have places available.”

Councillor Alisa Flemming, cabinet member for children, young people and learning, said: “Congratulations to all of our students.

"It’s great to see their hard work has paid off, and I also thank all of our school staff and parents who have helped them achieve these results.

“I wish all our young people every success, no matter what their next steps are.”