WESTON College students are celebrating scoring a 100 per cent A-level pass rate - a first for the award-winning centre and possibly in the West.

WESTON College students are celebrating scoring a 100 per cent A-level pass rate - a first for the award-winning centre and possibly in the West.

In addition to the 100 per cent of students gaining a grade A-D, a staggering 77 per cent also gained a A - C grade.

Bucking the national trend, it was the boys who had the edge over the girls this year.

Star students Thomas Kettleborough achieved two grade As in maths and computing and two grade Bs in further maths and physics. Simon Loring achieved two grade As in maths and business studies and one grade B in history as well as a grade A for AS-level further maths.

Debating champion and Weston & Somerset Mercury photographer, James Munro, achieved two As and one B, in English literature, photography and media studies.

Deaf student Clare Hathaway has proved her physical disability holds no barrier to achieving academic success by achieving an A and two B grades in her A levels and is now well on her way to achieving her ambition of becoming a successful business woman.

Principal Dr Paul Phillips said: "Once again our 16 to 19-year-old A-level students have excelled in their examinations.

"Achieving a 100 per cent pass rate is a remarkable achievement.

"Further education colleges are committed to the principles of comprehensive education and work with a wider range of abilities than most school sixth forms and sixth form colleges. We are, therefore, particularly delighted with this tremendous achievement.

"It is testament to the significant commitment and hard work of both staff and students that every single one of our 16 to 19-year-old A-level students has passed their exams.

"This great news couldn't have come at a better time with our brand new, purpose built University Campus opening next month which includes our new Sixth Form building, The Jill Dando Centre.

"I am proud of my staff and students who have ensured that we are the outstanding college in the South West."

*FOR a full round-up from around the area see next week's Weston & Somerset Mercury.