HIGH-ACHIEVING Godalming College and The Royal School students overcame extra challenges posed by changes to A-Levels to gain record results.

More than 950 Godalming College students studied for A-Level exams and BTEC qualifications with 2550 entries at A level and 381 BTEC entries.

The A-Level pass rate of 99 per cent and the A* to C grade rate of 82.4 per cent is even better than last year.

A total of 210 grades awarded were at A*, which is at a rate above the national average. The BTEC pass rate was 100 per cent, with 94 per cent of entries at Distinction or Merit levels.

Nearly 200 students completed the Extended Project Qualification, and 91 per cent achieved A* to C.

Emma Young, principal of the college, said: “I am delighted and very proud of our students who have yet again performed at the highest levels. We had 2,550 entries at A-Level and well over half of these were at A* to B., with our A* rate up on last year.

“Our BTEC results are also superb and high grades here are also higher than last year. We have exceeded national benchmarks.

"The results provide students with an excellent stepping stone whether that be for university, apprenticeship or employment. We wish them all the very best for the future and congratulate them on their achievements whilst at college.”

There were big celebrations at The Royal School, Haslemere, as Upper Sixth students celebrated outstanding success.

Medicine featured strongly this year with Lucy achieving three A* and one A grade and a place to read veterinary medicine at Cambridge University, Charlotte achieving two A*, one A, EPQ grade A* and a place to read medicine at Southampton and April achieving three A*, EPQ grade A* and a place to read medicine at Cardiff University.

A total of 40 per cent of students achieved three A grades or more.

A record 50.7 per cent of results - up from 42.5 per cent last year - were graded A* to A compared to a national average of 26.4 per cent and A* to B grades remained at 71.2 per cent, significantly above the national average of 53.0 per cent.

Royal School Principal, Mrs Anne Lynch, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with these results and very proud of our students and their teachers. These results represent many years of hard work and it is very rewarding to see students achieving the excellent outcomes that they deserve.

"The reformed A levels have added extra challenge this year, but our students and teachers have certainly risen to these challenges and have achieved outstanding success in the new linear qualifications. It is excellent that so many have achieved their first choice of undergraduate course at university.”