A Level students at Weston College were today (Thursday) celebrating after the release of some of the most outstanding results in years.

Expectant students arrived bright and early at the College's University Campus in Loxton Road to receive their results, which will decide their futures post-18.

This year's crop of A Level candidates are the first to attend university following increased tuition fees, and have had to plan very carefully for their futures.

As a result of the hard work of the students and the dedication of the staff, 99.8 per cent passed their A Levels this year, with 80 per cent achieving A*-C grades, and 50 per cent gaining A*-B.

Nationally, the pass rate rose for the 30th year in succession, with 98 per cent of students passing their exams. There was a small percentage fall in the numbers of those gaining A* or A.

This year saw many success stories at Weston College, including that of Kathryn Hayward, who is heading to Oxford University to study Law with French after achieving A*s in English Literature and Law, and A's in French and History.

Another high flier is Tom Stephen, 18, of Grove Road, Weston, who gained A*s in Maths and Biology, and A in Chemistry. He will now take up a place at Loughborough University studying Chemical Engineering.

He said: “I worked very hard and I'm delighted. Weston College has been a terrific place to study. They give you all the resources you need to achieve, and also the freedom to socialise and make good friends.”

Tom's mum, Annu Stephen, came with him to collect his results. She said: “We came here from India 10 years ago and Tom is the first of my children to take A Levels. He's done brilliantly well and we're so pleased with him.”

An unexpected A* in Law gave Jamie Richardson food for thought, and he's now changed his university plans. The 18-year-old, from Worlebury, also achieved an A in History and B in Business Studies.

He said: “I was offered a place studying History at Cardiff University but I want to become a solicitor so I'm going to swap and study Law at Cardiff instead.

“I didn't do very well in AS Levels last year, but the College was very supportive and I'm really pleased with my results this year.”

Simon Msara, 19, came to Weston from Zimbabwe and coached himself through his GCSEs. His A Level results included an A at Maths, an A in Extended Project, B in Chemistry and C at Biology. The results earned him a place at Bristol University to study Chemistry which he is deferring for a year.

He said: “I was hoping for an A* in Maths and I missed it by just one mark. Apart from that I'm really happy with my results and I'm looking forward to Bristol University next year.

“I've written to Hinckley Point power station to see if they'll take me on for the year, which would be a really useful placement.”

Best friends Kyra Moore, 18, of Worle, and Alex Fry, 18, from Bleadon, are both going to UWE after achieving A's in Maths. Alex, who will be studying Aerospace Engineering, said: “It's great that we're both heading to UWE and we can't wait to go. Bristol is a brilliant city to study aerospace engineering, given its connections with Airbus and Rolls Royce.”

Also studying engineering is Nathan O'Donoghue, 18, of Worle, who gained an A* in Maths and A's in Further Maths and Biology. He said: “I'm so happy today, and I've achieved my dream of going to Bath University to study Mechanical Engineering.”

Helen Bos, 18, of Weston, was overwhelmed by her A* in Photography. She said: “I wanted to do something in the creative side, and my tutor Richard Shafner really encouraged me. Now I'm going to stay at Weston College to do the University of Arts London Foundation Diploma in Art, Design and Communication.”

However, not all students are planning an academic route. Despite gaining grades good enough to land him a university place, 18-year-old Ben Adams, of Burnham-on-Sea, has decided to pursue an apprenticeship in accountancy.

Ben, who got two B's in History and Business Studies and C in Accountancy, said: “I've been in education a long time and the rise in tuition fees is a big issue for me. I thought about it, and realised I could progress up the accountancy career ladder without going to university, so with the help of Weston College I'm now looking for an apprenticeship in this field.

“I wouldn't rule out going to uni in the future but for now this is the best career option for me.”

Chrissie Gravell, 18, of Worlebury, is already working as an apprentice at Specsavers in Clevedon. She picked up her results on Thursday and is pleased with the way her career is progressing.

She said: “I didn't fancy going to university and I wanted some practical work experience. My aim is to become a dispensing optician and I can definitely do this through Specsavers' career progression route.”

James Mena, 19, of Nailsea, is having his university fees paid by the NHS while he studies Radiography at Exeter University.

He said: “A while back I injured my hand and while I was at A&E having an X-Ray I got chatting to the radiographer. I became interested in what they had to say about the job and thought it would be a good career for me.

“I didn't do very well at my AS Levels at Nailsea School so I came to Weston College and they've really helped me to turn things round.”

Dr Paul Phillips, Weston College Principal and Chief Executive said the results were testament to 'brilliant teachers and a superb learning environment where students are thoroughly supported in their studies.'

He said: “Our results reflect a dynamic institution totally committed to the learners of North Somerset and the many learners who travel to us from Bristol, Bath and Bridgwater.”

For more details on courses at Weston College use the course search on the homepage of this website or call 01934 411 411.