Over 1,600 students at Truro and Penwith College (TPC) collected their Level 3 results in Truro and Penzance today. More than 1,000 are heading for their first-choice universities, including 11 students destined for Oxford and Cambridge. 

Students, staff and governors are celebrating significantly outperforming national benchmarks, according to data released by Ofqual. With over 2,500 combined A Level entries this year, 98% of TPC students achieved pass rates, 80% were granted the top grades A* to C and almost a third gained an A or A* grade - double the amount of A*to B grades of those who studied elsewhere. 

An impressive 42 A-level courses achieved a 100% pass rate, and International Baccalaureate Diploma student Aimee Paull, from Redruth, received the highest possible point score of 45.

Vocational Diplomas attained a 98% overall pass rate, with over half gaining the top grades of triple Distinction or above (equivalent to 3 A grades or above at A-level). Subjects including Sport and Exercise Science, Health and Social Care, and Engineering. 

The new T Level qualification saw with 86% of students achieving high grades of a merit or distinction grade, equivalent to 3 B’s or 3 A’s at A-level, in subjects such as Early Years Education, Construction, and Digital Production. 

Poppy Dixon, 18, from Truro, received grades AAB for psychology, maths and law, and will study law at Bristol UWE. “I was predicted lower grades, so this is amazing,” she said. Proud dad Paul, himself a maths teacher at Tretherras in Newquay, described her results as “sensational”, adding: “She has worked ridiculously hard, and it has paid off.” 

Twins Bea and Barnaby Knight from Veryan enjoyed double success. Bea achieved straight As in film, English literature and language, and will study English and history of art at Exeter University. 

Barnaby achieved an A*AB in graphics and illustration, 3D design and English language. He will study art foundation at Truro and Penwith College’s Tregye campus near Carnon Downs. 

They collected their results in Truro. Proud mum Nichola said: “There was a real sense of relief in our household this morning. I’m really proud of them both. It’s a reflection of how brilliant Truro and Penwith College is – Cornwall is fortunate to have it.”  

Principal Martin Tucker said: “There are some absolutely outstanding results, and I’m delighted for the students, staff and families. I can’t commend them enough for the hard work and dedication they have put into their studies.”

With GCSE results due a week later, the key milestones keep on coming: “We look forward to continuing to build on our outstanding success with a new cohort of students,” said Mr Tucker. 

Lisa Briscoe, director of student experience, was keen to advise students who fell short of the grades they wanted. “The golden rule is not to panic,” she said. “Most young people will have a choice of options. 

“First of all, check with UCAS whether you have still been accepted by your first-choice university, or what alternative offers it has found for you. 

“Next, go to Clearing. It’s open until October 21, but the sooner you visit, the better the offers available.”  

Student Tara Bawden, 19, from Hayle resat her chemistry and biology A levels, and successfully challenged one of last year’s grades in a bid to study medicine at her preferred establishment. “It was challenging, but I managed to motivate myself, worked hard and saw the end goal,” she said. 

Kirsty Sincock, deputy team leader in science, said: “Tara had the knowledge, so we focused on revision and how to approach exams and interviews.  I’m so proud of her.”