STUDENTS across West Somerset collected their GCSE results, with record numbers hitting the top A* and A grades.

At the West Somerset Community College, in Minehead, 73 per cent of students achieved five or more GCSEs at grade A* to C in all subjects, while 78 per cent of passes were at grades A* to C.

Twenty students achieved eight or more A* and A grades, with 13 young people gaining ten or more.

A total of 529 A* and A grades were attained by community college students, 68 more than last year.

At Kingsmead Community School in Wiveliscombe, students outperformed the school's own challenging targets with 69 per cent of students achieving at least five A* to C grades including English and maths.

Some 78 per cent of students achieved five or more A* to C grades in all subjects and 94 per cent achieved five or more A* to G grades.

Nationally, 69.8 per cent of all passes were awarded A* to C grades, while 23.2 per cent of entries made the A* or A grade.

The overall national pass rate of A* to E dropped slightly to 92.7 per cent.

The top performers at the West Somerset Community College with 12 A* and A grades apiece were Stuart Allen and David McNeill, while Alex Christmas and Anya Hoyland achieved 11 straight A* passes each.

Other high achievers were: 11 A* and A passes - George Buckingham, Holly Carter, Becky John, Megan Peeks, Jasmine Pyman, Harry Symons; ten A* and A passes - James Dawson, Emma Marlow, Lauren Pound; nine A* and A grades - Christopher Hunt, Joseph Lee, Sam Price, Imogen Stuckes, Jake Van Der Veen; eight A* and A passes - William Clark and Evan Purchase.

College principal Nick Swann said the class of 2011 had excelled themselves by securing some of the best results in the college's history.

He said: "It is very pleasing that our academically most able students continue to achieve exceptionally good results.

"This contributes to a record total of 529 A* and A grades.

"Success on this scale demands tremendous commitment and hard work from the individual students supported by excellent teaching."

Mr Swann said students of all abilities had performed well in a wide range of subjects and more than 200 students were now due to continue their studies in the sixth form.

He added: "Once again our students have surpassed previous performance to gain record breaking results for the college.

"This is entirely due to the combined efforts and dedication of students, their parents and the college staff and I wish to extend both my congratulations and thanks to them all."

The top performing students at Kingsmead were: Kat Bird 10A*, 2 A; Huw Davie 7A*, 2A; Sophie Prescott 6A*, 7A; Jess Foulkes 6A*, 2.5A; Tom Auton 5A*, 4A; Samantha Jonas 5A*, 4A; Ben Salter 5A*, 3.5A; Alice Fisher 4A*, 6A; Jenna Angle 3A*, 6.5A; Rebecca Locke 3A*, 5A, 2B; James Adams 3A*, 5A, 3.5B; Joe Sutcliffe 3A*, 4.5A, 2B; India Thomas 3A*, 4.5A, 1B; Tom Young 3A*, 4A, 2.5B; Tansy Purdey 2A*, 6A, 2B; Jonah Dymond 2A*, 4A, 5B; Rosie Johnson 1A*, 9A; Liam Brakespear 1A*, 7A, 2B; Imogen Christopher 1A*, 7A, 2B.

Headteacher Geoff Tinker said he was delighted with the results.

"They are a true reflection of the hard work and commitment of our students and the tremendous professionalism of all our staff.

"I am particularly pleased for those many students of all abilities who outperformed what were very challenging personal targets.

"This clearly shows they have great pride in their learning."