HIGH-achieving West Somerset teenagers went to the top of the class yesterday (Thursday) after producing A-level results described as impressive and fantastic by their teachers.

The 2010 students made it a record-breaking year for the West Somerset Community College, with one in ten of passes at the new A* grade, compared to one in 12 nationally, and an overall pass rate of 99.5 per cent at A* to E grades as opposed to the 97.6 per cent national figure.

A total of 34 per cent of passes were at grade A, 52 per cent at A-B and 81 per cent at A-C - the final figure an increase of 15 per cent on last year.

Head of sixth form Jerry Hardingham said: "The 2010 results are fantastic.

"Our A-level and vocational students have worked extremely hard and their results are evidence of their talent, hard work and the excellent teaching of our dedicated staff."

Mr Hardingham said the college was delighted for the ten per cent of students who had gained the new A* grade, placing them among the highest achievers across the country.

And he said the college was also extremely pleased at the large increase in the number of students in the sixth form gaining vocational qualifications this year - 38 per cent achieved distinctions, which is equivalent to A grade at A-level, in all their course units.

Up to 200,000 of the 660,000 students who have applied for university places nationally this year are expected to be left without a course due to budget cutbacks and increasing competition.

But college principal Nick Swann said most of the West Somerset teenagers would begin degree-level courses at top universities.

"Our most able students have really excelled, attaining top grades, with one in three of all passes being at A grade or equivalent," he said.

"2010 has once again seen some very impressive results. I would like to congratulate staff for their endless commitment and dedication and, most importantly, all the students for their tremendous hard work."

Among the highest A-level achievers were Dan Gilpin, who gained one A* and two As, and Rachel Daughtrey, Kim Matthews, Emma Ruttley and Jake Taylor who notched up three As a-piece.

Meanwhile, Ellie Cox celebrated one A*, one A and two Bs and Luke Trimmings one A*, one A and a B.

Emily Hamnett-Harris, Anna Hunt, Sam Richardson and Jade Steel all achieved two As and a B.

Vocational students achieving the equivalent of three A grades at A-level included Michael Earl, Luke Barker, Sam Beaver, Liam Birkett, Ryan Blaney, Gareth Bradley, Chessie Coleman, Leah Cunliffe, Matthew Drakeley, Sam Gould, Steven Hadley, Amber Knight, Nathaniel Leader, Roo Mallinson, Daniel Plummer, Ashlee Smith and Matthew Stonier.

Photo: Steve Guscott