For the fifth year in a row, students in North Devon achieved a pass rate of over 99%; a record-breaking 99.5%. Over 23% of grades were in the highest category of A*/A, and three Petroc students gained a staggering four A*s.

Over 52% of grades were A*-B, up 2% on last year. These are classed as ‘high grades’ by Ofsted, and are required to get students into the country’s top Russell Group universities.

Keith Devine, Assistant Principal for Arts and Science, was delighted with the news. He said: “Our learners’ success is real testimony both to their efforts, and to those of the teaching staff at Petroc, who guided, supported and encouraged them throughout their time with us. It is wonderful to see so many Petroc students achieving their first choice university places and I wish them all every success in the future.”

Students in Mid Devon are also celebrating, with over 30% gaining the top A*/A grades. Mark Challacombe, assistant principal for Mid Devon, was also clearly pleased with the results. He said: “Thanks to their dedication and commitment to study, many of our students have gained places at top universities and have secured fantastic work placements for next year.”

Diane Dimond, Principal at Petroc, was also thrilled. She said: “These fantastic A Level results really are a credit to the talented and hardworking learners we have at Petroc; we are so proud of their achievements. Today is a chance to celebrate, not only the exceptional success of our students, but also the dedication and commitment of our staff as well as the strong working partnerships we have with the secondary schools of North and Mid Devon.

“This year we have students going on to Oxford, Cambridge and other top universities; we are also pleased to see successful students going on to higher apprenticeships with world class employers. With these excellent results, our students are well placed to secure a bright future whatever career path they choose to follow,” added Diane.

Noah Milton, a former Braunton Academy pupil, was among Petroc’s top achievers for 2016, gaining an impressive four A*s at A Level and gaining a place at Cambridge to study Natural Sciences. Noah said: “I knew I’d done well, as I checked UCAS this morning to see if I had a place. However, I had no idea I’d done this well!

“The support at Petroc has been fantastic, especially all the extra work we did as part of the Academic Academy to prepare us for our university interviews,” added Noah.

Rachel Fallow, who went to Pilton Community College, also gained straight A*s and, like Noah, secured a place at Cambridge. Rachel will be studying Engineering and her degree is sponsored by the engineering company, Lendlease.

“I’m delighted with my results!”, enthused Rachel.

“I’ve loved my time at college. Alongside my studies I’ve been able to compete at a high level with the Volleyball Academy; I think it’s really important to get involved with other activities, as it all adds to the whole college experience and is a great way of meeting new people,” said Rachel.

After her degree, Rachel will work as a civil engineer for Lendlease.

Another student going on to study Engineering is Kate Conway, a former Pilton Community College pupil, who was also very pleased with her results. Kate got an A* and two As, securing her a place at the University of Bristol.

“I’m in shock!”, said Kate.

“It’s been a really tough year and, for one reason or another, I ended up sitting 12 exams in total! I’m just so so pleased that all the hard work paid off. I’m speechless!!”, added Kate.

Max Dartnell, a Mid Devon Campus student, achieved an A* and two As, and is heading to Liverpool University to study Veterinary Science. Speaking on results day, he said: “It has been fantastic being able to benefit from the resources and knowledge of the science department. The staff, Simon, Tony and Lynda have been fantastic – I believe I wouldn't have got my place without them. I would also like to thank the tutorial staff, Alix Stewart in particular.”

Tom Hagley, a former Tiverton High School student, gained two A*s and one A and has successfully secured a place at UCL to study Neuroscience. He said: “The science department have been absolutely fantastic and I can't credit them enough.”