'Remarkable' pupils across west Dorset are celebrating after collecting their A-level results.

The wait was over today for students at the Sir John Colfox Academy, Beaminster School and Woodroffe School in Lyme Regis.

Following a gruelling exam season and their GCSEs being impacted by the pandemic, youngsters this year were sitting formal exams for the first time.

Schools across Dorset did not release percentage of grades, with a statement from the county's head teachers saying they wanted to instead 'share the individual successes and stories of our students'.

The overall pass rates were expected to be lower this year and be more in line with pre-pandemic levels, with exams graded by teachers during the lockdown periods.

Despite this, many west Dorset were celebrating impressive results on Thursday, with some now studying at university while others are set to go straight into the world of work.

The Beaminster School and Sir John Colfox Academy (Bridport) are joint sixth forms, and were marking another positive set of results.

At the former, 91 per cent of pupils were offered their chosen university place.

Keith Hales, head teacher at Beaminster School, said: “The resilience and determination shown by our young people amongst this uncertainty is remarkable.

"We believe that our students are always much more than simply a grade and we couldn’t be prouder of everything they have achieved.”

Adam Shelley, headteacher at the Sir John Colfox Academy, added: “Our young people have once again demonstrated an excellent set of results, and many are now progressing on to exciting new pathways.

"We wish them all the very best of luck with their future studies and careers.”

Students of particular note this year include Eddie Rose (A*AAA), Jess George (A*AAA) and Toby Pitfield (AAAA).

Elsewhere, twins Eleanor and Madeleine Whittle-Moore, from Beaminster School, are off to Central Saint Martin, London and UWE Bristol respectively to study fine art.

Parents Dannett and Nick said the sisters were ‘drawing before they sat up’ and were deciding which of the pair to visit first when they move away.

Meanwhile, Juliana Manlapaz, who is off to Oxford Brookes to study law and has ambitions of becoming a barrister, says her next task is to stock up on kitchen utensils for her university halls.

Over in Lyme Regis, students at the Woodroffe School were rewarded with ice cream whilst collecting their grades. 

Head teacher Dan Watts said he was 'delighted' with the results which are 'in line with the outstanding pre-pandemic levels'.

"We are amazed by the resilience and perseverance shown by our students. We also recognise the additional anxiety caused by the events of the past years and thank our parents and carers for their continued support," he added.

"Students should be reassured that the grades they have received today have been fully earned and are the result of their hard work, dedication, and perseverance."

Stand-out pupils included Tilly Arscott (who got two A*'s and one A) and Iris Chapman, who was awarded two A*'s and one B.

The pair are now off to Oxford and Cambridge universities respectively to study English.

Mr Loveland, head of sixth form at Woodroffe, said: “I am delighted with the success of our sixth form students this year. They worked incredibly hard to achieve an excellent set of results.

"I am always impressed by the resilience and work ethic of our students, and their drive to succeed.

"They are excellent role models for the rest of the school, I wish them the very best for the future