STUDENTS at Exmouth Community College proved they are top class by helping the academic institution record their best ever GCSE results. Cheers of joy reverberated around the Gipsy Lane campus after scores of students picked up their marks last Thursday,

STUDENTS at Exmouth Community College proved they are top class by helping the academic institution record their best ever GCSE results.

Cheers of joy reverberated around the Gipsy Lane campus after scores of students picked up their marks last Thursday, August 27.

Sixty eight per cent achieved five or more A* to C grades, up from 65 per cent last year and 57 in 2007.

Principal Tony Alexander said: "I am absolutely thrilled with the marks because this year's results are the highest we have ever got and it reflects perfectly the hard work students have put in."

The number achieving five or more A* to C grades including English and maths has also increased by nearly one per cent from last year to 56% - exceeding Government targets.

David Turner, assistant principal for key stage four, said he was delighted with the results.

He added: "I would like to thank everybody involved, including parents and carers, for their support and encouragement.

"It is a fantastic achievement and a testimony to the hard work and commitment put in by everyone at the college.

"I wish all of our students every success in the future and it will be a pleasure to see many of them back to our post 16."

Elena Holmes, of Masey Road, Exmouth, achieved eleven A* grades. The 16-year-old, who plans to stay on at the college to study further, said: "I'm delighted to have done so well."

Esther Waistell, 16, who lives in Otterton, gained A* marks in French, Spanish, English, science, English literature, art, pe, religion and music.

An overjoyed Esther said: "I've done better than expected. I love art and music and would love to work in either of these fields one day."

Emily Kelly, 16, of Salterton Road, Exmouth, who achieved six As and five Bs, said: "I'm really happy with the marks. I've loved studying at the college - they have given me so many opportunities."

Mr Alexander explained additional high-achievers included Mark Green and Rebecca Rankin who both gained seven A* grades in total.

Rosie Williams, Kimberley Sansom and Sophie Burns all achieved straight A* and A grades in all subjects.