HIGH-flying West Somerset Community College students bucked the national trend by gaining more top A-level grades this year.

Whilst the results released yesterday (Thursday) showed a slight fall nationally in the proportion of top grades for the second year running, West Somerset teenagers celebrated an increase.

The proportion of entries awarded A* rose by eight per cent on 2012 figures to 18 per cent.

And the number of A* to A grades also went up by five per cent to 33 per cent.

However, the college saw the number of A* to C grades drop from 82 per cent last year to 76 per cent.

A total of 99 per cent of students achieved A* to E grades, above the 98.1 per cent national pass rate and the same as last year.

Amongst the top achieving West Somerset students was Alex Christmas, who notched up an impressive four A*s and a further A* in an 'Extended Project' qualification, which is equivalent to half an A-level.

Megan Peeks secured one A* and two As, Charlie Barratt three As and Keziah Sanderson and George Buckingham two A*s.

A grades in two subjects were also achieved by Thomas Hawkins, Christopher Hunt and Mark Westcott, with William Clarke, Jessica Lovegrove, Tom McCanlis, David McNeill and Jake Van Der Veen all gaining one A* apiece.

Joshua Fitzgerald, assistant principal post 16, said the overall performance of students had been "astounding".

"We have seen a continued growth in the numbers of students gaining the highest grades this year," he said.

"I am extremely pleased with the progression of all our students.

"A large majority of them have already secured really exciting employment and higher education opportunities, including a significant number who are going on to study at some of the best universities in the country.

"I wish them the very best of luck in their future studies."

Principal Gaynor Coomber, who took over from Nick Swann just a year ago, said she was delighted to see so many students excelling in both A-level and vocational courses.

"Against a national picture of fewer students applying to higher education and gaining the top grades, it is a tribute to the hard work of the young people and the staff at the college that we continue to see a considerable improvement," she said.

Mrs Coomber was particularly delighted that for the first time in her nine years as a head every student offered a place at their chosen university had achieved the required grades.

"This is the outcome of real dedication and commitment from the students, their families and our teaching staff, and I would like to pass on my heartfelt thanks and my very best wishes for their next steps," she said.

"The college continues to pride itself on providing the very best opportunities for West Somerset students on a national scale.

"I know that all our students will continue to attain excellent levels of achievement, securing their personal future and returning to invest in the development and growth of the local area."

With record numbers of students collecting their results and confirming university places online, the college said it was urging any student wanting to talk about their results to contact them on 01643 706061.

Photo: Steve Guscott