Students across Sussex will celebrate record A-level results today as schools and colleges publish their grades.

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the number of passes (grades A to E) rose 0.6 per cent to 89.1 per cent.

The number of A grades rose by 0.3 per cent to 17.8 per cent, continuing an unbroken run of improvement since 1990.

At Varndean College in Brighton, the overall pass rate was 94 per cent and there were other success stories throughout Sussex.

The figure at Varndean, which excludes general studies, is a one per cent improvement on the number last year.

The figure for A and B passes was 42 per cent and for A to C grades it was 65 per cent. The results included 100 per cent pass rates in 19 subjects.

College principal Alan Jenkins said: "Whilst this is another excellent year for high grade results, we should not forget the equally impressive achievements of students with more modest grades who have worked hard to achieve them and who have added value to their achievements in their time at Varndean College.

"None of this would be possible without the hard work of my colleagues, previous good work in partner schools from which our students have come and the support of parents."

Students at Lewes Tertiary College were also celebrating their best ever A-level results, with an A to E pass rate of 92 per cent, up two per cent on 1999.

The number of passes at A to C grade was 58 per cent, an improvement of four per cent on last year and the college's second highest result.

A college spokeswoman said: "In line with previous years, more than 300 students have qualified for higher education and over 90 per cent of those completing courses are carrying on their education or entering employment."

At Brighton College, students achieved a 99 per cent A to E pass rate, while the rate for A to C grades was 85 per cent.

Headmaster Anthony Seldon said: "First, I congratulate all our students on another excellent performance for the school, moving the results further ahead.

"Second, I hope this year we won't hear any more about exams getting easier. Our students have worked exceedingly hard for their success and don't deserve to have their achievements belittled."

Across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, girls overtook boys for the first time by achieving more A to C grades in total and beating their male rivals at maths and physics.

The number of girls awarded A grades was 18.1 per cent, up from 17.4 per cent.

Boys achieved 17.5 per cent, the same result as last year.

Girls were also awarded more Bs and Cs - 19.9 per cent and 21.8 per cent respectively, compared with 18.2 per cent and 20.6 per cent of boys.

Boys, however, got more of the lower passes D and E, 18.7 per cent and 13.1 per cent respectively, against 18.3 per cent and 12 per cent for girls.

There has been a decline in the number of people taking A-levels in subjects including maths, physics, geography and modern languages.

Hove MP Ivor Caplin attacked Tories who have claimed the exams have "dumbed down," leading to the higher results.

Shadow higher education spokesman Tim Boswell has demanded a review of A-level examination boards to ensure standards remain high.

Mr Caplin said: "All those locally who are receiving their results today, as well as the staff of our local sixth forms, should be congratulated for their hard work and determination.

"Standards are not falling and A-levels are not being devalued."