A RECORD number of students are heading for the top universities of Oxford and Cambridge after the West Somerset Community College celebrated its highest flying A level success yesterday (Thursday). Not only did the college achieve a pass rate above the national average but it also equalled its previous record of eight teenagers securing three A grades. A total of 97.1 per cent of youngsters secured A to E grades, compared to the national average of 96.2 per cent - up by 0.2 of a percentage point. With three A grades under their belts, Toby Parnell will be reading engineering at Cambridge and Josh Venner the same subject at Oxford. Elliot Sully's three As and a B were more than enough to secure his place at Cambridge to study architecture, and talented musician Tim Thornton is also off to Cambridge after his two As and a B won him a place to read music. Other high flyers included Susanna Bolton (AAAB), Chris Clements (AAA), Kathryn Gover (AAA), Neil Mackie (AAA) and Ciaran Price (AAA). Meanwhile, the proportion of passes at A and B was 43 per cent and those at A to C, 72 per cent. Paul Greenall, assistant principal and head of sixth form, described the results as excellent and said they had been achieved by "a fantastic group of young people who have worked extremely hard over the last two years". "We have actively encouraged the students to raise their aspirations and this year more students than ever are progressing on to university," said Mr Greenall. "Not only have we more students going to Oxford or Cambridge, but we have more potential doctors, vets, teachers, engineers, lawyers, journalists etc than ever before. "This group of students are excellent role models to our younger students who can now see what can be attained if you put in the effort and work effectively in order to reach your personal goals. "I should like to congratulate them all for the individual successes they have achieved." Six students have completed a new qualification offered by the college, CACHE level three diploma in child care and education which carries a tariff equivalent to three A level grades. All passed with flying colours, with Kathryn Gover achieving three A grade passes. Mr Greenall said that in recent years the college had gone from strength to strength, particularly in regard to the quality of teaching. "These results are testament to the excellent teachers we have, the support the students receive and the relationship that exists between the students and their caring course tutors." But Mr Greenall said an important factor that could not be ignored was the role parents played in supporting their children and working in partnership with the college. "The huge number of successes reflects the trust that parents have in the college and that they appreciate the commitment and dedication of all our staff, and I include the administrative team, learning support staff, service teams and technicians who all contribute in making the college the very good school that it is." Other top A level grades were achieved by Helen Ansell (AAB), Emily Best (AAB), Nick Bigwood (AAB), Louise Miller (AAB), Montee Chan (AAC), Emily Turner (AAB), Lizzie Dyer (AAC), Charlotte Coates (ABC), Amy Lewis (AAD), Luke Moore (ABC). Pictured are, from the left, Kathryn Gover, Susanna Bolton, Elliot Sully, Chris Clements, Josh Venner, Toby Parnell and Ciaran Price. Photo: Steve Guscott.