THERE were smiles and sighs of relief at Tavistock College last Thursday, as nervous students opened the envelopes to reveal their A-level results.

The college has bucked the national trend, with the percentage of young people achieving the very top grades going up. Thirty three percent of students gained one or more A*A grades and a fifth of all grades ere at A and A*, a two percent rise on last year. forty three percent of students gained A-B grades

Helen Salmon, Tavistock College principal, said: 'We are really delighted with the results this year.

'I think the work we have done to really raise the aspirations of our students through the aspire programme has really paid off. A lot of our young people have done really well, particularly at the top end and we have two students who have secured Oxbridge places, interestingly, both of them to read history and French.'

Mrs Salmon paid tribute to the Tavistock College trustees who have supported the aspire programme, and put such good results down to the hard work of students, very good teaching and good parental support.

Mrs Salmon said: 'I am very pleased overall. Last year we had one Oxbridge student, the year before we didn't have any, and there are now more getting in to the Russell Group universities.'

Mrs Salmon said it was also good see such high results in the vocational childcare course.

'It's a high level qualification and three girls have gained three distinctions, which is equivalent to A* at A level — two of these girls are going to university to do primary education.'

Jessie Quinn, who achieved an incredible 4 A* and will be off to Hertford College, Oxford, said: 'I don't know what to say! I'm really happy and relieved — and very surprised!'

Peter George, who go to Wadham College, Oxford, said: 'I'm pretty speechless — I wasn't expecting to do that well.

Chris Wilkie, who got and A* and three As, said he was 'amazed'. 'It means I have got into York to read Law,' he said.

Tom Stoneham, who will read drama at Plymouth University, said: 'I'm over the moon about the fact that I can move on to the next stage of my life and I'm glad my friends have got through too!'

Sarah Mills-Hicks said: 'I can't believe it! I got an A* an A and two Bs and I'm going to study philosophy and English Literature at the University of Cardiff.'

Other standout results were Eliza Austin Hall, A*AAB, Joe Dax A*AAA, Catherine Jones, A*AA, Beth Kingman A*AABA, Will Vojkovic, AAAA and Chris Wilkie, A*AAA.

Kelly College A Level students once again achieving a 100% pass rate. Overall, this year's results were better than 2012 with an increase in A*/A grades, and no pupil achieving less than a D grade. The total A* to C result was over 86%.

Headmaster Dr Graham Hawley said: 'I am very pleased with all the results received over the summer.

'Our pupils applying for the most competitive university courses have secured their places and the hard work of every pupil is reflected in these grades. I am particularly gratified that many pupils, across the whole spectrum of ability, have surpassed expectation and have achieved higher grades than they thought likely. All of the pupils and their dedicated teachers can be proud of what they have achieved together.'

Chantal Whitfield achieved 3 A* and 1 A, in biology, chemistry, mathematics and French. She has been accepted by Imperial College London to study chemistry. Matthew Courtis gained 2 A* and 2 A grades and he will study engineering at Oxford University. Veit Martius also gained 3 A* and 1 A grade in biology, chemistry, German and mathematics. He intends to study engineering in Germany.

Emma Collingwood gained 3 A grades in geography, history and maths and will study economics and maths at Newcastle University.

Kelly College's BTEC extended diploma in sport pupils have also enjoyed receiving their results, with a number of them exceeding predictions. Oliver Willis achieved three distinctions, two with stars. He will now go on to study at Bath University. Joshua Carnell, who was awarded three distinctions, has earned a place at Leeds Metropolitan University and Scott Cockerill's grades of a distinction and two merits have secured him a place at Nottingham University. Finally, Natalia Sparrow completed the Lower Diploma in Sport ensuring that she is able to pursue an art based course in higher education.

Former Kelly student Max Gratton of Tavistock studied for his A levels at Exeter College and felt 'pretty happy' with his three A grades in maths, chemistry and physics plus an A grade in biology AS level.

He said: 'I picked Exeter College to do my A levels since I loved the environment and really respected the fact that we were treated liked adults.

'I suffer from dyslexia that means I am slow at reading and writing so I needed a scribe during the exams.

'It's been hard because, whereas at school, I received extra support, I was determined to be more independent at college so I was prepared for university.

'I'm going to study medicine at Southampton University — I really liked the campus and they've got a very good reputation for medicine.