There were tears and there was laughter when students received their A-level results at Sidmouth College today.

The college has done better this year than it has in the previous two, with 86 per cent of students achieving A*-C grades.

There was an overall pass rate of 100 per cent, with 28 per cent of pupils receiving A-A* and 44 per cent of students achieving an A*-B grade.

Among the top achievers was head boy Safeen Kay, who was awarded an A*, two As and a B, Annabelle Brooks, who got an A*, an A and a B, Adam Loker, who achieved an A* and two As, and Charlie Ough, who was awarded two As and a B.

Jasper Dommett, 19, was awarded three Bs in music, drama and philosophy and has secured a place at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

He said: “It is quite hard to get into; 100 people will apply for two spaces each time.

“There are only eight spaces on the course, which you have to go through an audition process for.

“It’s one of those things, if you don’t work hard you don’t get the results.”

Also among the top achievers was Ed Oswald, 18, who achieved two As in maths and business and a B in chemistry - he plans to attend the University of Surrey, while Joe Hill, 19, who gained an A* in maths and two As in chemistry and physics, plans to attend the University of Bath to study mechanical and electrical engineering.

Beth Pugsley, 18, also did well with an A* in sociology and two As in RE and health and social care.

Beth said: “I was not expecting it.

“I am so happy.”

Olivia Drew, 18, achieved a double distinction in catering, a B in sociology and an A* in business.

She said: “I was not expecting to see an A*.

“I didn’t feel like I did anywhere near enough revision.”