ALTON College celebrated another year of outstanding results with a 99.2 per cent pass rate for A-Levels and 100 per cent for vocational courses. The national average is 98 per cent.

More than three quarters of A-Level subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with more than a quarter of students being awarded A*-A while more than 77 per cent achieved A*-C.

All students passed the BTEC and Cambridge Technical Extended Diplomas, which are the equivalent to three A-Levels, and 61 per cent of those achieved the highest grades of three Distinction*. All students who studied the Extended Project Qualification achieved A*-C grades, with 94 per cent achieving A*-B.

Results in traditional A-Level subjects such as English, maths, STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), modern foreign languages, history, geography, and the performing and creative arts, were particularly notable for success.

An impressive 100 per cent of students gained A*-B in double maths A-Level and nearly 75 per cent of engineering students achieved top grades. In addition, 100 per cent of performing arts students also achieved high grades and 90 per cent of BTEC Extended Diploma art and design students achieved three Distinction*.

Sara Russell, college principal, said: “Our students are incredible and this year, as every year, I’m so proud of their sensational achievements. I’m thrilled with our outstanding 99.2 per cent A-Level pass rate.

“I’d like to offer huge congratulations to our amazing students as, thanks to their dedication and hard work together with the unique support and high-quality teaching from our expert sixth-form staff, the college has exceeded current national averages and achieved yet another set of outstanding results, proving it is the place to study for success.”

And Ms Russell added: “Each year 92 per cent of our students leave us for higher and further education and employment. Nearly 19 per cent of those who continue to university go on to Russell Group Universities, including the University of Oxford and University of Cambridge.

“An impressive 29 per cent of our A-Level students achieve a first-class honours degree at university (the national average for sixth-form colleges and school sixth forms is 22 per cent).

“Around 40 per cent of Alton College students go on to study STEM subjects at university, with creative arts the second largest subject. This year, five of our music students gained places at highly-competitive top music conservatoires.”

Damian Hinds, Minister of State for Employment and MP for East Hampshire, congratulated the college, saying: “Alton College offers students first-class tuition in an environment of great achievement and purpose, and this is reflected each year in the college’s exceptional exam results.

“We are fortunate to have such an outstanding academic institution in our area preparing young people for their futures as the perfect bridge between school and employment and higher education.”

n To apply to study at Alton College from September, visit altoncollege.ac.uk or e-mail [email protected]. The next open day is Thursday, October 5, from 3.30pm-8pm.