OKEHAMPTON College is celebrating outstanding A-Level results again this year, with well over half of the students achieving grades of A*, A or B.

There were smiles all round as students descended on the college last week to receive their eagerly anticipated results.

The sixth form students have performed exceptionally well in both A-Level and BTEC courses, and most have met or exceeded their offers from their chosen universities across the UK.

This year an impressive 33% of A-Level and BTEC grades achieved at the college were A* and A, while 63% were grade B or better. The students’ hard work has paid off as the college celebrated higher marks then the national average.

Top performing Year 13 students included Daniel Rooney who achieved one A* and three A’s, Sam Magowan, Jack Newton, Ben Stratton and Sam Stratton who each achieved one A* and two A grades.

Sam and Jack both achieved an A* in maths, an A in geography and an A in economics. The boys said they were ’over the moon’ with their results and have both been accepted to study geography at Durham University.

Sam said that it was the best decision he had ever made to stay on at Okehampton sixth form, and Jack said: ’It has been a lot of hard work, but the support from the teachers has been great. Whatever I’ve needed to know I have always been able to ask, they have been really helpful.’

Sam added: ’I’m glad I studied my A levels at Okehampton College. It’s been a lot of hard work so I am definitely looking forward to a long summer break before starting university.’

Sam Stratton achieved an A* in maths, an A in further maths and an A in physics and has been accepted to Imperial College London to study electrical engineering. Sam said: ’There have been many hours spent in the library, but it’s all been worth it!’

Top performing vocational student was Katie Craddock who received three BTEC distinction* grades. Aleksandra Gouldie also achieved great success as she was awarded one BTEC distinction* alongside three Bs at A-Levels.

Other notable results were gained by Haydon Perrior, Jack Simmons and Matthew Ware who each achieved an A*, an A and a B; Izzy Higgs who achieved an A*, an A and a C; Charlie Richards who achieved two A levels graded A* and A, and Rueben Sampson who gained an A*, an A and a D.

The students’ hard work had not gone unnoticed by teachers and staff who appeared immensely proud watching the students opening their results.

Derrick Brett, head of secondary education at Okehampton College said: ’We are delighted that the Year 13 students have succeeded in achieving such excellent grades in their A levels and other level 3 qualifications.

’The students have been a credit to the college throughout the seven years they have been with us and it is gratifying that all their hard work has led to results that they can be proud of.

’We wish them all every success for the future whether they go on from here to university or the world of work, although we encourage them to stay in touch by making sure they are signed up to the college alumni project.’