Many choices after A Levels - education minister

Herefordshire Council said students in the county achieved an "impressive" 98.4% A level pass rate

The education minister has spoken about the choices available to young people on A Level results day.

Baroness Jacqui Smith, former Redditch MP and ex-Home Secretary, made the remarks as she recalled getting her own results from Dyson Perrins school in Malvern.

She got them "way back, practically written on a piece of parchment, it was so long ago" and they were "pretty good", but she did not reveal what they were.

Thousands of students got their A-level, T-level, BTec and other Level 3 course results in England, Wales and Northern Ireland earlier.

Baroness Jacqui Smith took her A Levels in Malvern

The minister told BBC Hereford & Worcester that many people had done really well and there was help available for those who had done less well than expected.

She added: "There will be lots of people today who deserve massive congratulations for the hard work that these results represent."

The former Worcestershire teacher said advice could be sought from schools and universities and the National Careers Service for those who wanted to think about apprenticeships, employment or other qualifications.

"What's important is that there are a whole range of choices for students, both at 16 and then at 18 and older," she said.

"Alongside opportunities for other vocational and technical qualifications like BTecs, there are all sorts of options out there.

"What your strengths are can be recognised in the qualifications, in the options that there are, for the rest of your life."

'Opportunities are expanding'

Herefordshire Council said young people in the county had an "impressive" 98.4% A level pass rate - above both the national average in the West Midlands and England.

Councillor Ivan Powell said special thanks went to teachers, support staff and all those who worked in schools and colleges.

"Opportunities are expanding for young people in our county and I hope many of them will stay with us in Herefordshire."