Four elite private schools in Birmingham are celebrating after being named among the best in the West Midlands for their A-level results.

Figures released by the Independent Schools Council reveal the top ten fee-paying schools in the region in terms of AS and A-level exam results for the 2014/15 academic year.

The table ranks each school according to its Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) average points score per pupil.

UCAS gives 140 points for an A-level A* grade, 120 points for an A-level A grade down to 40 for an E and 60 for an A at AS-level, down to 20 for an E.

ISC Chairman Barnaby Lenon said: "This year Independent Schools Council schools, which are 85 per cent of independent schools, achieved double the proportion of A* and A grades at both GCSE and A-level compared to state schools.

"Some state schools, particularly the grammar schools, have done brilliantly this year.

"But it is clearly unfair to compare every independent school in the country that takes A-levels, a total of about 500, with the very best 500 state schools taken from the top of a list of several thousand.

"Any parent comparing the independent and state school league tables can see that the top 100 places are dominated by independent schools."

The table is based purely on A and AS-level results and excludes general studies, as well as other qualifications taught at some schools such as the International Baccalaureate, BTECs and the Cambridge Pre-U examination.

Solihull School, whose famous alumni include Top Gear presenter Richard Hammond, came top in the list of independent schools after it recorded its best ever A-level results.

It saw 88 per cent of its pupils achieve all A* to B grades and 35 per cent of pupils gained three A* or A grades.

Headmaster David Lloyd said: "These are wonderful results, not only for the sixth formers but also for the staff and the school as a whole.

"The students have really applied themselves and thoroughly deserve their high grades.

"Competition for places at top universities is expected to be particularly fierce this year, with record numbers applying to Oxford and Cambridge and other leading institutions, so it is very pleasing that all of our Oxbridge candidates have met or surpassed their required grades."

Students at Highclare School, in Erdington, which was ranked seventh in the list, are celebrating another year of success - with a 100 per cent of its pupils gaining at least three grades A* to C at A-level.

The school, which was the best performing in Birmingham last year for its A-level results, also achieved A*s, As or Bs in 63 per cent of its A-levels.

Headteacher Dr Richard Luker said: "I am delighted with these results. They have come about because of a huge amount of hard work on the part of the students and teachers."

And Saint Martin's Girls' School in Solihull said it was "very proud" of its "exceptional" students - with an overall pass rate of 100 per cent.

The school - which came sixth in the table - said 44 per cent of its A-levels taken this year achieved A* or A grades, while 80 per cent of grades were A*, A or B.

Headteacher Nicola Edgar said: "At the end of my first year in post, I am thrilled to see how hard work, commitment and perseverance, coupled with excellent teaching has paid off.

"The girls have done very well academically in addition to participating in a broad enrichment programme including sport, music and drama.

"I know every girl has exceeded her own potential and, in doing so, has paved the way for a very bright future.

"What matters is that we have equipped our leavers not only with excellent results but essential lifelong skills and attributes for fulfilling careers."

Top West Midlands independent schools for A-level and AS results in 2014/15

School; Combined average A- and AS-level UCAS score per candidate; Number of candidates sitting the exams; Average A-level UCAS points score per candidate

1. Solihull School - 383; 121 pupils; 341

2. King Henry VIII School, Coventry - 372; 89 pupils; 320

3. Bablake School, Coventry - 366; 98 pupils; 326

4. Edgbaston High School for Girls, Birmingham - 363; 58 pupils; 318

5. Wolverhampton Grammar School - 350; 76 pupils; 318

6. Saint Martin's Girls' School, Solihull - 329; 14 pupils; 303

7. Highclare School, Erdington - 283; 12 pupils; 255

8. Tettenhall College, Wolverhampton - 266; 19 pupils; 249

9. St George's School Edgbaston - 236; 14 pupils; 229

10. Elmhurst School for Dance, Edbgaston - 118; 18 pupils; 131