A-level students across the Bradford district are facing a nail-biting morning as they receive their exam results.

The local picture is still emerging but, nationally, the proportion of A-levels scoring at least an A grade has fallen for the first time in more than 20 years, official figures showed today.

In total, 26.6 per cent of the exams were given an A or A*, down from 27 per cent in 2011 - a record drop of 0.4 per cent.

It is believed to be the biggest fall in the history of A-levels. The last time it dropped was between 1990 and 1991 when it decreased to 11.9 per cent from 12 per cent.

In Bradford, Challenge College has been celebrating another improvement on the previous year.

QCA points have risen from 649 last year to 698 this year.

Head teacher Sian Harris said: “This Year 13 group have been very active in the life of the school.

“They provided help and support for all school activities including taking a key role in organising school events, performing at awards evenings and organising sports days for our school and other link schools.

“We have seen a steady rise in A-level results over the last five years that we are proud of. This improvement is down to the hard work of both students and staff at Challenge College.”