Students at Exmouth Community College are celebrating after bucking the national trend to achieve anther record-breaking set of A-Level results.

65 per cent of students achieved A* to C grades at A2 level, with 95 per cent of students passing all their exams, while at AS Level 63 per cent achieved A to C, and 94 per cent passed all their exams.

Nationally the number of students getting A* and A grades has fallen for the first time in more than 20 years, although the overall pass rate has risen.

Top of the pile at the college were Julian Ashwin, Jacqueline Hughes and Abbey Swain, who all secured Oxbridge places with 11 A* grades between them.

Julian, who achieved 4 A*s, and will be studying PPE at Oxford’s Hertford College, said: “I wasn’t expecting this. I needed three As to go to uni, and I would have been disappointed not to have that, but anything above that is a bonus.

“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet, but I’m very pleased.”

Also celebrating was Beth Foxon, who achieved two A*s, a B and a C, and will be studying English Literature and Language at Nottingham.

She said: “I’m really pleased. It’s a relief, because it’s been hard work – everybody’s worked hard.”

Tom Skinner, who got an A* and two As, said: ““All summer I’ve been waiting for the results and didn’t know what to expect. Now I feel over the moon!”

Other high achievers were Jamie Heavens and Eleanor Williams, who achieved at least three As, including A* grades, while as AS level Oliver Brown, Jessie Dunn and Melissa Pawson all gained four straight As, and Louise Coleman gained two As and a B.

College Principal Tony Alexander said: “These are quite exceptional results which illustrate the continued improvement at A-Level over recent years. They are a great testimony to the ability, diligence and efforts of our students and the excellent quality and commitment of their teachers.

“I am absolutely delighted that hard work and professionalism have paid off so well and I would like to congratulate all our students and thank my dedicated staff.”

Head of Post-16 Simon Tanner said: “Both the college and the community as a whole will take enormous pride in what has been achieved this year.

From our Level 2 Advanced Access courses to our BTECs and A levels, the quality of results will open up opportunities for the rest of these young people’s lives.

“I feel honoured to be part of a sixth form that is so inclusive, but still so successful. It gives us a great platform to improve again next year.”