THE anxious wait for A-level students at West Somerset Community College came to an end today as their record-breaking results were revealed.

The achievement of grades A*- E for 99.5% of the students marked the year as a record-breaker.

This year’s A-level students were the first to be awarded an A* for achieving 90% or higher in all elements of their course.

The proportion of passes achieving the new A* grade was 10%, while 34% of passes achieved grade A, 52% achieved grades A to B and 81% achieved an A to C.

Head of sixth form Jerry Hardingham said: “We are delighted for the 10% of students who have gained the new A* grade, which places them amongst the highest achievers across the country.”

The proportion of students achieving grades A*- C leaped from 66% to 81%.

Principal Nick Swann said: “2010 has once again seen some very impressive results.

“Our most able students have really excelled, attaining top grades, with one in three of all passes being at an A grade or equivalent.

“Most of these students will now begin their degree-level courses at top universities.

“Key to the overall success of the sixth form is the breadth and range of courses available to our students, which now includes a rich variety of new vocational specialisms alongside a full range of well-established advanced level courses.

“High quality teaching and close personalised support of our students are both central to their success.”

The college’s highest achieving students included Dan Gilpin who achieved grades A*A A, Kim Matthews got three As and Luke Trimmings achieved A*AB.