THE tense wait for A-level results is over for Tavistock College students, many of whom have been celebrating following results day last Thursday.

Pass rates of 100 per cent were recorded in a number of subjects, including Art, Biology, Design, Electronics, all modern languages (French, German, Spanish) Music and Performing Arts. More than 100 grade A and B passes were accumulated by college sixth formers.

Alice Berry scored four A-level and one AS level grade A passes. Roy Cooper, Alison Harbottle and Tori Field each achieved three A grades, and Robert Jones got two further A-level A grades and an AS level grade A to add to the A grade he achieved last year.

Since last Thursday, many Tavistock students have been confirming university places. A number are embarking on challenging gap-year projects and others are taking up a range of modern apprenticeship and employment opportunities.

This was the first year of Curriculum 2000 qualifications for lower sixth students who took the new AS level examinations. They achieved results which augur well for their final A-level results this time next year.

Geoff Orton, director of sixth form studies, said: 'There were increased pressures on this year group, with students following four or even five AS level subjects as opposed to the traditional three. Students and teachers are to be congratulated on the quality of these achievements.'

John Simes, principal, said: 'I am delighted to see that so many of our students have achieved excellent individual A-level results and fulfilled their ambitions. The college rejoices in having talented teaching staff and students who each year set and achieve high standards.

'The excellent results of our Year 12 students at AS level augur well for the future. The whole college team of staff and students has fully deserved this success.'

Mark Braithwaite, chair of covernors, also welcomed the results. 'Once again the college has delivered excellence for its sixth form students. I know that the governors and parents will want to commend the hard work of students and the superb effort made by the college's teaching staff,' he said.