Another College record breaker

The number of students securing the highest A-C grades increased by 14% on last year's results.

And with a provisional overall pass rate of 97% the college seems sure to have exceeded the national average for the 13th year in a row.

Principal Karen Hucker said: "The college is extremely pleased with the results. All the students have worked extremely hard to achieve their qualifications. These results reflect two years of determination and effort from all those involved - students, parents / guardians and staff.

"Our congratulations go to all the students who have completed this year."

Tears of joy and misery were clearly evident from the gate to the refectory.

With mobiles clinched in their hands, emotional teenagers frantically dialled parents to report on what their immediate future now holds.

Aaron Cleland and his girlfriend Hazel Savage came to the college to collect their results together.

Before starting at Bexhill College Aaron went to Fring College, a special dyslexic school.

He said: "I didn't do too well in my GCSEs but I'm very very happy with my A-levels. I was a bit nervous this morning but am now really happy - I got three As. To get in (to Liverpool University to read law] I needed two As and a B - Bexhill College has been really brilliant. I'm quite pleased with myself because it has been difficult but I have been more dedicated since I have been here."

Aaron and Hazel will now travel around Asia together for at least three months as part of a gap year.

Phil Ward was having a laugh with his mates when he offered an eloquent summary of his feelings: "I have an immense feeling of wellbeing" he smirked. "The hard work I put in has paid off and I got the place I wanted. It wasn't easy. There is a lot of bad press about A-levels but I'm delighted."

He will now read History at Portsmouth, building on his history A-level. He also took law and business studies. Kristian Lipscomee was in the unenviable position of not knowing whether he would be going to his first choice university. "I'm happy but unsure whether I got into uni." he said, "I think I got the grades but I'm still trying to find out - we are phoning them now. Stupid system."

Joe Ammoun, a well-known name in youth politics in Bexhill, achieved four grade As in his A-levels. They were in law, English literature, history and politics. He also secured a distinction in the Advanced Extension Award for history. He is going to Oxford University to read history and politics.

He said: "I'm still a little worried about the next step as I move into the unknown."

Other notably high performers were Dan Chapman and Lucy Doherty who each bagged four A grades.