THE “best-ever” A level results are being celebrated today among the sixth formers at the Sir John Colfox School and Beaminster School.

The joint sixth form has seen a 100 percent pass rate with 59 percent of all grades at A*-B with 28 percent of those at A*-A.

“This is a fantastic achievement”, said Colfox headteacher, Kay Taylor.

“In a year when results nationally have dropped, the students have performed better than ever in our schools. They have worked exceptionally hard and with the support of talented teachers and tutors have performed well above the national and Dorset averages.

“We are really delighted for all of them. As a comprehensive sixth form we are proud of all the achievements of our students across the whole ability range and the 100 percent pass rate, which we have never achieved before, is a real accolade for the schools.”

Mike Best, Head at Beaminster School added, “These are outstanding results which reflect the high quality teaching and the real opportunities of local provision through our sixth form partnership.”

“In what is, on a national basis, an ever changing landscape at A level, we are delighted with the success of our students,"  said Richard Barnes, Head of the Sixth form at Beaminster School.

"This year’s results show the progress that has been made by all of them and is clear evidence of their commitment and hard work. 

"The students themselves are very appreciative of the support and input from their teachers which has helped them perform so well."

At Sir John Colfox School there was excitement as the all-important envelopes were opened.

A place on one of the top courses in the country for sport and exercise science awaits Luke Shirley.

With two A* grades and an A in BTEC Sport, Luke , 18 from Bridport is going to Exeter University.

“I am really pleased!” he said.

George Butler, 18 from Bridport, was celebrating two As and a B in chemistry, physics and maths which will take him to Surrey University to study civil engineering.

“It’s such a relief!” said a happy Beth Paull as she opened her envelope.

“I got a A and two Bs in chemistry, ,maths and physics and I am going to Southampton University to read chemistry.”

There were some anxious minutes for Conor Hulbert, while he waited to find out whether his two A grades and a B in psychology, religious studies and English language would take him to his first choice university.

Conor, 18 from Bridport, soon found out that his place at Warwick, to read law was assured.

“I had hoped for three As, but I can deal with this!” he said.

Jack McReavie admitted that he had hoped for different grades.

“But I got two Bs and a C in business studies, English language and history and I am going to Cardiff to do business studies,” he explained.

Joe Scally, 18, from Bridport is off to Bristol to read sociology with his A* in his main subject, a B in English language and a C in biology.

For Jeanne Filosopo there was delight to open her envelope and find a B and two C grades in art, English and photography.

“Now I am going to take a gap year – and see what happens!” she said.

With many students already knowing they’d got their university places before coming to pick up their marks there was less tension in evidence at Beaminster School’s on results’ day than usual.


Still it was hard to mask the delight for the majority of students who got the grades they needed and secured a place on their university courses.


Friends Rory Fisher and Kali Corry-Wright were both heading to Cardiff University after Rory got three As in maths, physics and technology and was off to study mechanical engineering and Kali three Bs to get in to study chemistry.


High achiever Christina James, who got A* and two As in biology, chemistry and geography, will be studying food science in Nottingham.


All three said they were slightly nervous but looking forward to going to university.


Billie Stevens got two As and a B and is keen to start her degree in neuro science at Bristol and Florence Wright’s grades, A*,A,B, were more than good enough for her to be heading to Sheffield University to study bio chemistry and genetics.


She said: “It’s slightly more than I was expecting so I am really pleased.”


Billie Stevens was thrilled to get a B in chemistry and A in English Literature and an A in biology and to be able to take up her place at Bristol University to study neuroscience.


Max Barton got all the grades, ADBB, he needed to study architecture and planning at the University of the South of England in Bristol.


There were others who had places but were still considering whether university was the best option.


Charlie Gudge got a BBC in chemistry, geology and maths and has a place at Plymouth University but was still unsure whether to go.


He said: “I am still undecided. I have a place to study geography but I don’t know if that is what I want to do so I’ll take some time to think about it.”


Penny Cross was too nervous to open her results but was still deciding whether to apply to university or not.


Charlie Caen was definitely not going – he’s already started his apprenticeship as a hairdresser and didn’t mind what his results were.


Sam Hester was not too bothered either as he already had an unconditional place at Plymouth to study computer systems and networking but his B,C,D and E grades would have got him in anyway.