STUDENTS and staff at Petroc in Tiverton have been celebrating another year of outstanding A-level results.

In Mid Devon, the college saw a spectacular rise in high achievers.

There was an 8% increase in A*-C grades and an impressive 14 out of 15 subjects recorded a 100% pass rate.

The overall pass rate was in excess of 98%, which is a 5% increase on last year.

Keith Devine, Assistant Principal for Arts and Science, was delighted with the news.

He said: “Once again Petroc A-level students have really pulled out all the stops to achieve fantastic A-level results.

“It is a real testimony both to their efforts, and to those of the teaching staff at Petroc, who guided, supported and encouraged them throughout their time with us.

“It is really gratifying to see so many Petroc students succeeding in achieving their first choice university places and I wish them all every success in the future.”

Diane Dimond, Principal at Petroc, was also thrilled - she said: “We are delighted that, once again, Petroc students have produced outstanding A-level results; many gaining places at the country’s top universities on courses such as Medicine, Law and Veterinary Science.

“Today is a chance to celebrate, not only the exceptional hard work of our students, but also the dedication and commitment of our staff and the fantastic working partnerships we have with the secondary schools in North and Mid Devon.”

Harry Wood was one of Petroc’s top achievers, gaining an A* in Maths and As in Further Maths and Physics.

He said: “I’m very pleased, as my results mean I’ve gained a place at Bath University to study Maths.”

Max Ell was also one of Petroc’s high performers, achieving an A* in English and an A in Sociology.

Speaking on results day, she said: “The college has been very supportive with my studies.

“I’m hoping to now go on to university, and would like to go to Lancaster to study English and Creative writing.”

Sophie Stagg, who is part of the Student Union Executive in Mid Devon, said: “At Petroc you get a lot of time with the teachers and a lot of attention, so they make sure you are learning what you need to know and get the most out of your time at college.”