OKEHAMPTON MP Mel Stride urged youngsters to consider the apprenticeship route as an alternative to university as he congratulated them on their exam results.

In recent weeks students at Okehampton College have been collecting their GCSE and A-level results.

GCSEs have changed from a traditional A* to G to grading from 9 to 1, with 9 being the top grade.

Proponents of the change say the new qualifications better prepares students for the world of work and further study.

Mr Stride said: ‘It is a big moment in a young person’s life to open their GCSE or A-level exam results. All pupils who worked hard should be very proud of their efforts, whether they achieved the grades they wanted or not.

‘For many considering their next step university will be their best option, but I strongly urge pupils to also consider apprenticeships.

‘The quality of courses available is very high and for many young people the option to gain vital experience and important qualifications while also earning is a really strong alternative.’

The Conservative MP is himself a product of the state education system, having been awarded a free place at grammar school which led to him studying at Oxford University.

Among top performing students in this year’s A-level cohort at Okehampton College was Sol Rowe-Welch who is off to study music at Oxford University after gaining 3 A*s.

Also gaining 3 A*s was Lewis Johns, who is going to Warwick University to study economics and maths.

Two students gained A* and two grade As apiece while a further five students got three As in what college principal Derrick Brett described as ‘an exceptional year group’.

While a full breakdown of GCSE results has yet to be released by the college, the top results suggested students had coped ably with being guinea pigs for the new system, obtaining 9s, 8s and 7s across the board.