STUDENTS across the area have been celebrating an outstanding set of A-level results.

There were emotional scenes yesterday, Thursday, August 14 as youngsters gathered at schools and colleges to collect their results.

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It was an excellent year for the combined sixth form college of Sir John Colfox and Beaminster, while there was a 100 per cent pass rate at Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis.

Nationally, the overall pass rate fell for the first time in more than 30 years, official figures show.
In total, just over one in four, or 26 per cent, of exams were awarded an A* or A grade, down 0.3 per centage points on last summer.

But the proportion of A* grades handed out rose to 8.2 per cent, up 0.6 per centage points on 2013.

The latest results come amid major changes to the system, with January exams scrapped, leaving fewer opportunities for students to re-sit papers.

 All exams are now taken in the summer.

Schools have been warned that they could see changes to their results this year due to the overhaul.

LYME REGIS: Results at Woodroffe are 'some of the best ever'

Students at Woodroffe School celebrated an 'outstanding' set of A level results this year with a 100 per cent pass rate.

26 per cent of entries were graded A* or A while 55 per cent were graded A *, A or B.

Headteacher Dr Richard Steward said the students have done 'superbly this year', helping the school achieve some it's best A level results ever.

He added: “I'm delighted to see so many individuals achieving A* and A grades, and particularly pleased not to see a single U grade in any subject.”

Among the students celebrating were head boy Tom Gater got 3 A*s who will study maths at Oxford University and head girl Ellie Pring who got two As and one B and is off to Bath University.

Cleo Nester scooped A*, A, B and will study acting at Arts University Bournemouth and Rachel Clarke will study history and sociology at Cardiff University.

She said: “I can't believe it; I'm so relieved but happy and ready to give the course a go.”

Nathaneal Wellstead got A, B, C and is off to the Camborne School of Mines to study mining and engineering.

Results at AS Level were also impressive, with 38 per cent of students gaining As or Bs, and 62 per cent achieving C or above.

Head of sixth form Jim Thomas said the work ethos of this year's students has been 'fantastic'.

BEAMINSTER AND BRIDPORT: 'Superb results' at combined sixth form

Students from the combined sixth form college of Sir John Colfox and Beaminster turned up in their droves to collect their results.

It was an excellent year for the college, with 99 per cent of students passing their subjects, with 75 per cent of those achieving A* to C grades.

Kay Taylor, headteacher of Sir John Colfox, said: “We are delighted that yet again we have superb results at A level.

“The students have worked really hard, supported by committed and talented staff, to get top grades and secure places at university or high level apprenticeships.”

Calum Hughes achieved an A* in English Literature, an A in Psychology and a B in English Language, and is off to read English Literature at Exeter University.

Calum said: “I wasn't expecting these results at all, I have never had an A* before. It hasn't sunk in yet.”

Connie May, 18, from Bridport, was awarded an A* in Spanish, and an A in Italian and French. She will now head to Southampton University to study Italian, French and Russian.

She said: “I am absolutely over the moon with these results and can't wait to go to university.”

Richard Barnes, head of Sixth Form at Beaminster School, said: “I am delighted for the students.

“We focus on the individual and there have been some amazing successes on this journey.”