THERE were dozens of smiling faces at Okehampton College last Thursday, as students collected their AS and A2 results, with the school celebrating another year of good results.

At A2 level the college achieved a 100% pass rate between A* to E grade, with 82% of those A* to C grades, and 38% A* to A grades.

The A* to E grade is the same as it was last year, but the A* to A grades and A* to C grades have risen sharply — last year's rates were 20% A* to A and 79% A* to C.

The AS level grades improved on last year, with a 93% A* to E pass rate. Last year's results were 85%.

Students gathered at the college from 10am to collect their results. One of the first to get their A2 grades was Becky Boyland, who obtained three A*s.

She said: 'I am really happy with my results, they are a real shock. I was hoping for maybe two A*s, so to get all three is a real surprise. You never know what you are going to get until results day.

'I've been accepted to study biological natural sciences at Downing College, Cambridge. It has been a lot of hard work but it has definitely paid off.'

In last year's AS-level results, Adam Hughes got four As and a B. In this year's A-levels he kept up his high level of achievement, with one A* and three As. He will now head off to the University of Bath to study natural science.

He said: 'Today feels really good; it has been a long road and lots of hard work. I am very happy with how I've done.'

Another student flying high is Dominic Woodridge, who achieved four As in maths, biology, chemistry and geography. His A-level success means he will now go to medical school in Exeter.

He said: 'Job done. I am very happy with my results, and it is really satisfying to get into medical school. Bring it on.'

Okehampton College vice-principal Derrick Brett said: 'In the end, the important thing is that our students have got the grades they need to continue on with the next step of their education.

'As a college we are very happy with the figures and happy that we are developing as an institution. Ultimately though it really is about our students successfully going to to the next level at university.

'The vast majority of our students who applied to university will get into a university of their choice. We wish congratulations to all our students in both AS and A2 level, and for our A2 students we wish them all the best in the future.'

Among the highest achievers at A2 level were April Stevens with four As, Rachel Coombe with two A*s and two As, Rory Mullins with two A*s and two As, Rachael Piddington with an A* and two As, and Naomi Rubbra with an A* and two As.