VARNDEAN College enjoyed another year of exceptional A-level results, with many students Oxbridge-bound and delighted with their results.

There were tears of joy, and some of despair, as students opened their envelopes to discover their grades after two years of hard work.

The college’s overall A-level pass rate was 97.2 per cent, with 56 per cent of grades A*-B.

One student, Kerim Taskin, is off to London’s Imperial College to study design engineering in September. He achieved two A*s in 3D design and maths, and an A in physics.

Kerim, 18, said: “I feel like I definitely deserve it – I certainly worked hard to get them.

“I was a bit unsure how today was going to go, but I’m really happy with my results.”

Jill Arnold, Varndean’s deputy principal, said the change-up in A-level structure – which means AS level grades are not counted towards the final result any more – has not made a difference to results.

She said: “The process into the new system has been much more stable than I expected. The students have been fine with it and teachers have coped well.

“I personally prefer having AS exams as well, but this year’s results have been as good as any other year, which show the change has not made a difference.

“I am extremely proud of all the students. They have worked very hard and so have the staff. We are a very supportive college and we are also a very inclusive one, too.”