One of the largest sixth forms in the South West, Midsomer Norton Sixth Form, saw its students celebrate their A-level results today, achieving well above the national average.

The atmosphere was one of much excitement as students revelled in the aftermath of the results, following months of dedication and hard work.

These outcomes will allow them to embark on high quality apprenticeships, new careers and places at top universities across the country.

MOre than 35 per cent of our students achieved A* or A and 65 per cent achieved A* to B. To top these record-breaking achievements, 90 per cent achieved A* to C and 100 per cent of students passed.

All these measures are significantly above national averages. Students continued to be ambitious this year with their future plans, with more than a third of students planning to attend a Russell Group University, compared with the nine per cent average for the South West.

This achievement has been assisted by the Sixth Form's specialist Russell Group University Preparation Programme.

Among the wealth of this year's outstanding results, there are a few particularly notable accomplishments: Aric Smith achieved four A*s and will be studying maths and computing science at Oxford University; Beth Wiseman achieved two A*s and two As and will be studying biomedical science in Birmingham; Alex Ball achieved A*, Distinction and two As and will go on to study politics and international studies at Warwick; Lewis Bond-Kendall achieved four As and will go on to study medicine after a gap year; Alicia Brown achieved two A*s, A and Merit and will study law and criminology in Cardiff; Tabitha Carmichael achieved A*, two As and B and will study psychology in education at Bristol University; Amber Jones achieved A* and three As and will be studying midwifery at Southampton University; Amelia Marden achieved A*, two As and C and has secured an apprenticeship in accounting with Abel and Imray.

These are only a few examples of the results achieved this year by the hard-working students. Students have also gone on to prestigious apprenticeship providers such as Wessex Water.

Gordon Green (head teacher of Norton Hill) and Joanna Postlethwaite (head teacher of Somervale) were both extremely pleased with the outcomes and said: "The results are the culmination of an immense amount of hard work by both students and staff over the last two years."

Senior assistant head teacher – post 16, Karen Ward, said: "We are proud of the achievements of our students and wish them all the best for the bright futures they have ahead of them as they begin the next chapter in their lives.

"With the growing job market, exciting apprenticeships and leading universities, we are confident that our students' diligence and dedication will ensure their success in whichever path they choose to take.

"The students' ambitious destinations reflect the success of the Russell Group and the Direct into Work programmes we have to offer, all of which provide highly individualised support."

Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership CEO Alun Williams said: "I am delighted by the achievements of Year 13 students this year.

"They have done exceptionally well and exceeded all national averages. I'd like to wish all our Year 13s the very best of luck for what will no doubt be an exciting future."