Devizes School headteacher Malcolm Irons praised students for their achievements in the A-level exams.

Last year the school achieved record results with 85 per cent of grades between A*-C and this year 73 per cent of grades were A*-C.

The average points score was 218, down from 230 last year.

Mr Irons said the school had not expected the results to be as good as last year, but said most of the students had done better than expected.

He said: “This is a very good set of results. Last year was an exceptional year, I’m not at all disappointed with the grades this year. Different year groups have different abilities.

"This year, although overall attainment is slightly down as a year group they have exceeded their targets.

“The hardworking students and the dedicated teaching staff are to be congratulated for their continuing post-16 success.

"We are delighted that so many of our students have achieved the grades they deserve and were predicted.

"The most pleasing thing of all is to see all their hard work pay off, securing the places at universities and the next steps in their future careers.”

About 90 students took A-levels and 94 per cent achieved at least one A*-C grade.

Top performing student was Ben Kitching-Morley, who achieved four A* in maths, further maths, physics and chemistry.

Ben, of Bricksteed Avenue, Devizes, said: “It’s brilliant, amazing. It’s better than I thought I would do.”

He is going to Cambridge University to study natural sciences and is thinking of a career in research sciences.

Laurence Day, of Pans Lane, achieved two A* in maths and religious studies and A in physics and an added bonus was his chosen university, Lancaster, will give him £2,000 off his fees because of the grades he achieved.

Laurence, who has a job at Roses ironmongers in Devizes, said: “I am more than happy with the results, the exams were hard. It takes a hell of a lot of effort studying for them.”

Laurence will study physics and would like to work at a university either in research of teaching physics.

Amy Holt, of Hopgood Close, Devizes, was delighted and surprised to have achieved three A* grades in maths, biology and chemistry.

She said: “I can’t believe it! I never thought I would get three A*, I was hoping for A* in maths but not sure I would get it, it was difficult to know how the exams went.”

Amy is going to study human biology at Birmingham University.

Other high achievers included:

  • Tia Chan who gained three A*/Distinction* grades in health and social care and business and is going to Bournemouth University to study business studies.
  • Ruby Withers achieved three As;
  • Adam Walters achieved two A*s, one A and one C; 
  • Cameron Grant achieved three As and one B;
  • Ellie Dean achieved one distinction*, one A and one B;
  • Grace Farrell achieved two As and one B grade.