THE atmosphere was electric at Tavistock College last Thursday, as students nervously opened their GCSE results. Students received a 99.6% pass rate for all qualifications, with a marked rise in the top A to A* grades. A quarter of the year group gained three or more grades at A* and A and nearly a half gained at least one A* and A grade. Results in English, science, Japanese, psychology, business studies, dance, drama, design technology and media studies were described as 'excellent', with above-target achievements in A to C pass rates. Expected progress in English was the highest it had been in four years and students had exceeded challenging targets —more than 20% of students gained an A* or A grades in English. The vocational subjects had a 100% A to C pass rate, including health and social care, construction, fashion design, creative media, public services and music. Principal Helen Salmon said: 'It is wonderful to see the hard work of our students paying off. 'We are very proud of what they have achieved. 'I would also like to thank parents for the important part they have played in supporting the students and the college. 'Without such strong support from parents we would not be able to do this well. 'Staff have also worked incredibly hard to support the students.' Hard work has paid off for many students — some achieving spectacular results: Freya Chambers received eleven A* and three A grades; Joe Jordan ten A* and four A grades; Lauren Emony ten A*, three A, one B grade; Emily Friend nine A* and two A grades; and Jack Morewood, eight A* and five A grades — to name a few. Mrs Salmon added: 'Our headline pass rate for five or more grade Cs and above is 69 per cent. 'We are delighted to see that children of all abilities have performed very well. 'This means that no young person leaves the college this year without qualifications — a testament to the hard work of the inclusion team and teachers.' A small group of students, who took their astronomy GCSE two years early had a 91% A* to C pass rate. Molly Bolding and Rebecca Banks, Year 9, gained A grades for the subject.