STAR students across Mid Devon bucked the trend to gain top grades in their A-Levels after the national A*-A pass rate dipped for the second year in a row.

Queen Elizabeth’s results in Crediton were far removed from the national picture, surpassing and even doubling some targets.

All science students achieved A*-B and 66% of students who took the Extended Project qualification also achieved A*-B.

“The results are a huge credit to all the young people who have worked so hardto achieve them,” said principal Richard Newton Chance.

“Nationally there has been a dip in the top grades, a situation not seen at QE – all subject areas have produced excellent results which show an upward trend.”

Blundell’s School in Tiverton also announced strong provisional A-level results with almost 40% of students gaining A* or A grades – well above the national average of 26.3%.

Overall, 91% of the 83- strongyear groupachieved A*-C grades.

Head teacher Nicola Huggett said: “This is an exciting set of results due in no small measure to the hard work and determination of our upper sixth pupils – we’re all very proud of them.”

Petroc College’s Tiverton campus recorded 11 subjects with a 100% pass rate, and two-thirds of all students studying art and design, English, physics, further maths, psychology and sociology gaining A*- C.

Keith Devine, head of the School of Humanities and Science said: “Next year’s students have certainly got a lot to live up to as Petroc students have again shown that when provided with high-quality teaching and support they’re capable of competing with and beating the best in Britain.

“The staff are extremely proud of their achievements, and look forward to hearing of their exploits at the top universities up and down the country.”

Wellington School headmaster Martin Reader also congratulated his students.

For the second year in a row, 19% of students there gained an A*, comparable with the most academic schools in the country, while 41% of grades were awarded A*-A.