STUDENTS at the newly-merged Cheshire College - South & West secured an A-level pass rate of 99.7 per cent – more than two per cent above the national level.

Bosses described the results across all subjects as “exceptional”, especially in archaeology, geology and German with 100 per cent of students achieving A*, A, or B grades.

Overall 87.7 per cent of students achieved grades A*-C, an increase of 5.6 per cent from 2016/17.

Many students have gone on to secure places at the country’s top universities, including the University of Cambridge, Warwick, Manchester, Bristol, York and University College London.

Samuel O’Bree, 18, from Alsager, achieved A*A*A* in history, economics and government and politics.

He will be going to University of Cambridge to study a degree in human, social and political science.

Samuel, who eventually aims to join the Diplomatic Service, said: “The teachers have been excellent and the results I’ve gained are higher than I expected.

“I feel relieved, overwhelmed and delighted with my results and am looking forward to starting my degree at the University of Cambridge.”

Christopher Hadwen, 18, from Nantwich, achieved an A*AA in further mathematics, mathematics and economics, will be going to University of Bristol to study economics.

Eve Stockton, 18, from Crewe gained A*AA in biology, chemistry and mathematics, and has secured a place to study veterinary medicine at University of Bristol.

AS Level students also performed exceptionally, with an overall pass rate of 90 per cent, which is an increase from last year’s 89 per cent.

Other remarkable achievements came from Level 3 students, including Penny-Jane Prior who achieved D*D*D* in creative media production – games development BTEC diploma and will be studying computer games design at Staffordshire University.

Josh Coleman, 20, from Crewe, also achieved D*D*D* in art and design (graphics) BTEC extended diploma and has been celebrating his success after being offered a place to study at University of Salford.

For Sion McHugh, 22, from Buckley, it was a double celebration after completing his Level 3 NVQ in bricklaying apprenticeship.

He has now secured a construction job and will be progressing onto a Level 4 HNC in construction with the college.

Vice Principal - Curriculum and Quality, Rachel Ellis-Jones, said: "We are delighted to have an unprecedented year of excellent A-level results with an even greater proportion of individuals achieving really outstanding results.

“The breadth of excellent results across so many curriculum areas, including science subjects, mathematics and languages, demonstrates the exceptional teaching and facilities that we offer here at Cheshire College - South & West.

“All of our students collecting their results today should be immensely proud of their achievements and we wish them all the very best for their future.”