EXMOUTH Community College has had its “best-ever year” for A-level results.

As excited students arrived on the campus on Thursday (August 15) to see how they had fared, the college announced that A2 results have continued to improve in 2013, with 68 per cent of students gaining A* to C grades, (a rise of 3 per cent on 2012 results).

In addition, more than 98 per cent of students passed all their examinations, an increase from 96 per cent in the previous year and in line with this year’s national overall pass rate of 98.1 per cent.

Meanwhile AS results showed an increasing number of students gaining A* and A grades, although the overall figure (A to E) had dipped from 94 per cent to 88 per cent.

Student success at A2 included Melanie Ashwin, who achieved one A* and three A grades.

In addition Oliver Brown, Jessie Dunn and Matthew Harrison also gained one A* and 2 A grades. Meanwhile Melissa Pawson achieved two A*s, an A and B grade.

Twenty students achieved at least one A* and the number of C grades achieved increased by 11 per cent from 2012.

“It’s our best year, another record year, building on the two previous years,” said College Principal Tony Alexander. “I am thrilled with the continued improvement in the A-level results. The dedication of my staff and great commitment of the students has paid off handsomely. Everyone involved deserves sincere congratulations.

“What is so heartening is that this happened on the back of a successful Ofsted report two weeks ago. It gives an excellent platform on which to continue our success.”

Melanie Ashwin from Exmouth was one of this year’s star students. With one A*, three A grades and an A in German from last year, she’s off to study veterinary medicine at London’s Royal Veterinary College.

“Hopefully after that I’ll be a vet,” she said. “The college has been good and I’ve enjoyed it. They are always there to help, always encouraging. I’m sad to leave.”

Other A2 students included Amy Bannister from Woodbury, who got a B in maths and a B in applied science. Last year she got an A in Chemistry.

“Hopefully I’m off to Reading to study chemistry,” she said. She’d like to go into forensic science.

Chelsea Bastone from Exmouth got two Cs in Travel Tourism, a C in Applied Science and two distinctions in Media Studies. She’s taking a gap year, possibly as a holiday rep. “I’ll decide what to do after that,” she said, “perhaps the travel and tourism industry.”

Students at AS who achieved three A grades included Tim Dunn, Jacob Cunningham, Aimee Green, Joanna Parsons, Kiera Wiggins, Will Jones, Lewis Marks, Maya Pegler, Joseph Willey and Rugile Zoryte.

Eighty six students gained at least one A grade, an increase on 2012 figures.

Simon Tanner, Assistant Principal and Head of Post 16 said: I am delighted as staff and students have worked hard and deserve this success. These results show the superb progress we have made.”

“It’s been a good year, very positive, some strong grades and strong individual achievements as well, which we’re delighted about,” said David Turner, Deputy Principal.

“Many students are now able to go on to university. They are achieving the grades to fulfill what they want to do in the future, so it’s great news all round.”