Students from Blackpool and The Fylde College were celebrating an outstanding set of A Level results with more A*-B grades than ever before and a pass rate of 94%.

The College’s success rate means many students will go on to top universities across the country, despite the fact that competition for Higher Education places is tougher than ever before.

Brainy Alicia Dunne, 19, secured an A* in Mathematics, the subject she will go on to study at degree level at Lancaster University. Our Student of the Year winner was also delighted with her A in Biology and B’s in Chemistry and General Studies, saying: “I’m over the moon, I feel so happy and also relieved all my hard work has paid off.”

Star pupil Sophie Hoddy celebrated her A* in Film Studies, A’s in Psychology and General Studies and B in Mathematics with her Dad, who also picked up an A Level in Italian at grade A. Sophie was ‘a bit surprised’ when she opened her envelope and is now off to Loughborough University where she will study Media.

Scott Ramsay’s dedication over the last two years led to an A* in History, his favourite subject, and A’s in English Language and Literature and Media Studies. Scott has a place at Leeds University to study History and hopes to become a teacher himself one day.

There were tears of joy when Ashley Staley-Swallowsaw his results. The 21-year-old said: “I’m ecstatic! I thought I’d done ok as I put in the hard work but I was still worried. I’m going to study Dietetics at Coventry University and I hope to work abroad one day – 95% of Dieticians are female so I’m in the minority but I’ve wanted to do it for the last few year as I enjoy science subjects.”

Best friends Abbie Dean and Rebecca Eastham both picked up an A* and 2 A grades each and are off to Lancaster University to study German Studies and Film Studies and Sociology respectively.

Catherine Hill, Vice Principal of Curriculum and Standards at Blackpool and The Fylde College said:

“The College’s A Level Academy continues to bring out the very best in our students. We welcome learners from all backgrounds and our exceptional teaching staff provide an environment where all our students can and do flourish.

“I’d like to offer my sincere congratulations to all of the students who have worked so hard to achieve their grades. I hope they will all look back fondly at their College days, and we look forward to welcoming many of them back to our new University Centre in September.”