WEST Somerset teenagers have bucked the national trend with the number achieving top grades in this year's GCSE results.

Both the West Somerset Community College in Minehead and Wiveliscombe's Kingsmead School were in celebratory mood yesterday (Thursday) as the percentage of students awarded five or more grade A* to C passes soared above the national level of 68.1 per cent - a drop of 1.3 per cent and a fall for the second year running.

In contrast to the national picture, a total of 80 per cent of community college students reached the top benchmark, with 73 per cent of Kingsmead pupils also achieving it.

It was a new record for the college, boosted by ten students gaining eight or more A* or A grades and six achieving ten or more of the highest grades.

In all, a total of 419 A* and A grades were attained by college students, with 83 per cent achieving the equivalent of two or more A* to C grades in science - a five per cent increase on 2012 results and a massive 30 per cent greater than the national average.

Meanwhile, 65 per cent of students achieved a C grade or above in maths - a two per cent improvement on last year - and 96 per cent were awarded five or more A* to G grades - three per cent higher than 2012.

A total of 94 per cent of students achieved a C or above in English literature, a two per cent improvement and overall the college notched up a 49 per cent A* to C grades in English and maths, in line with last year.

However, principal Gaynor Comber revealed that results in English language results had been disappointing, disproportionately affected by changes in grade boundaries at national level.

The college has requested re-marks for 25 students - almost ten per cent of the year group.

But she said she was pleased with the overall results achieved, which bucked the national trend and continued to maintain the standards of attainment last year.

"We have also improved our performance in core subjects, such as English literature, maths and science, again in contrast to the national picture," said Mrs Comber.

"Alongside these improvements we are also celebrating the significant achievement of students in a number of subjects such as business studies and information technology.

"I would like to congratulate all our students and staff for the immense amount of hard work they have put into these results.

"Parents and carers are also vital to ensuring that students achieve their full potential and I thank them for their time, energy and commitment to their students."

At Kingsmead, 63 per cent of students gained five or more A* to C grades including English and maths, while 97 per cent achieved five or more A* to G, with 33 per cent achieving the English Baccalaureate.

Headteacher Mark Griffin said: "I am delighted that so many students have reaped the benefit of their hard work at the school.

"Many have exceeded very challenging targets and now have a very solid foundation for continual academic success."

The drop in the number of students gaining A* to C grades nationally reverses more than two decades of rising grades up to 2012.

The fall is being blamed on a tightening up of exams combined with a surge in the number taking GCSEs early, with younger pupils less likely to gain top marks.

Amongst the highest achievers at the community college were Eleanor Fletcher, who notched up ten A*s and one A, Holly Green, with five A*s and six As, Edward Griffin, six A*s and four As and Sami Jones, five A*s and five As.

Other high fliers were Molly Davidson with four A*s and six As, Sophie Batts, two A*s and eight As, Matthew Barker, three A*s and five As, Jack De Wynter-Smith, two A*s and six As and Amy Delbridge and Kelsey Mackie, who notched up eight As apiece.

Among the high achievers at Kingsmead who gained multiple A* and A grade passes among their wider results were Amber Leach with six A* and three A grades, Elise Collins with seven A* and two A grades and Emily Porter with two A* and eight A passes.

Joe Robinson achieved three A* and six A grades, Rachel Pearson three A* and five A grades, Max Phillips four A* and three A grades, Aaron Polat two A* and six A passes, Connie Barnes two A* and six A grades, Estelle Luck three A* and seven A grades, Jake Norman five A* and four A passes, Christie Pearce two A* and seven A grades and Molly Jeffs two A* and six A grades.

Photo: Candice Dean