STUDENTS at Cheshire College's Crewe Campus are celebrating a pass rate of 100 per cent.

As 250 learners collected their results from Danebank Avenue complex today, college chiefs hailed an "astonishing" achievement and praised them for their "extreme resilience and adaptability" during the restrictions imposed on their learning by the pandemic.

Across all 30 A Level subjects, students at Cheshire's largest further education college achieved a 100 per cent pass rate with over 62 per cent receiving A* to B grades.

A third of the A-Level cohort achieved a grade profile of A, A, B or higher which has meant they have been able to secure places at some of the country's top universities including Oxford, Exeter, Bath and the University of Manchester.

Others have won prestigious degree apprenticeships with employers such as Vodafone.

Assistant Director of A Levels at Cheshire College Sarah Bradley said: "I can't put into words how proud I am of all our A Level learners and what they have achieved during what has been another challenging year.

"Throughout the past year they have shown dedication and commitment to their studies, and I wish them all every success for the future."

Among those securing high grades was James Williamson, who achieved A*, A* and A in Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science respectively. He is going on to study Maths at the University of Warwick.

James, 18, said: "I secured a place on the college's dedicated Scholar's Programme which has really helped strengthen my core skills.

"I've had amazing support from all staff and if I had to sum it all up in three words I would have to say, valuable, high-quality and friendly."

Family and friends joined students to celebrate their success on the Campus courtyard, including Joann Haigh, the mother of Elly Jo-Ollier, 18, who secured grades of A*, A*, A in English Language, Philosophy & Religious Studies and Sociology.

Elly has secured a place to study English Language at the University of Chester and has ambitions to become a secondary school English teacher.

Her mother said: "I've noticed so much growth in Elly since she's been at Cheshire College. Despite a difficult 18 months due to the pandemic, the college has been nothing but supportive and they are a credit to education."

Creative learners at the College are celebrating particular success, including 18-year-old Zoe Bailey who achieved an A* in Drama and Theatre Studies.

Zoe, who has spent the summer performing in a local Shakespeare production, said: "College has given me the confidence to know I have the ability to do the things I want to do and my results have cemented this for me."

Dhesi, Principal and CEO of Cheshire College, said: "I am absolutely delighted for our learners and all they have achieved this year. Despite the challenges they have been faced with and adversities they have had to overcome, all learners have been nothing short of exceptional and this is reflected in today's success."

Nationally, the BBC reports that top grades in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have reached a record high, with 44.8 per cent of students getting A* or A grades.

It is the second year of replacement results after conventional exams were cancelled. Since the last time they were taken two years ago those getting A* and A grades has risen by almost 75 per cent, putting pressure on places for coveted university places.

National Association of Head Teachers' leader Paul Whiteman has rejected warnings of grade inflation and has said: "The results in 2021 cannot be easily compared to any other year."