THERE were miles of smiles at Tavistock College last Thursday, as students ended the long wait for their GCSE exam results.

Most were celebrating, along with staff, as the school recorded its best ever set of results.

The overall pass rate at A* to C was 70%, a ten per cent improvement on the college's previous best performance, and at A* to G, 99.7%. More than one in five results was a top A* or A grade.

There were many outstanding individual results, with one in six students gaining at least five A-grades, and 17 gaining at least eight top grades. Particular mention was made of Georgina Goad, Catherine Goswell, Owen Drage, Josh Evans, Sinead Kenna and Hannah Hake, all of whom gained at least ten A or A* passes.

The points score for each student has increased by 15%, representing an extra GSCE grade C for each one. Overall, 67% of students achieved the benchmark standard of five or more GCSEs at grade C or above, a 10% improvement on previous results.

College principal Colin Eves said: 'Once again, we are delighted, and the results show we have maintained the improvements seen last year. It's particularly pleasing to see so many students getting very high grades — we've had more students getting large numbers of top grades than previously.

'And I am particularly pleased to see significant improvements in what's known as the points score.

'It's also worth noting that in the past, there have been significant differences in performances of various departments — this year's results show a big step forward towards consistently high performance right across the college.'

Head of year Sally Hubbard said: 'These results genuinely reflect five years of hard work. I am very pleased to see the high standards achieved at the college being maintained across the full range of ability.'

Student Ellie Evans was delighted and relieved at her 4As, 6Bs and a C.

'I'm really happy,' said Ellie, who is to study biology, psychology, geography and law next year.

Ed Taylor said his results were 'awesome' and he was looking forward to studying for A-levels in the sixth form.

It had been a good year for Josh Andrews — the young radio star, who won a national award for his work with hospital radio earlier this year and who now also works for Heart in Plymouth. He scooped a clutch of A*s and As as well as two Bs and Cs.

'I hit and exceeded all my targets, so I am really proud at what I've done. I'm looking forward to come back for sixth form,' said Josh.

Robin Jones was another student beaming a huge smile last Thursday.

'I was hoping the results would be good, but I didn't think I'd get so many top grades,' said Robin, who hopes to become a doctor. With 9A*s and 3As, he has certainly made a great start towards achieving his ambition.