Students across Dorset have been celebrating as they collected their A Level results.

Thomas Hardye, Budmouth College and Weymouth College students picked up their results on Thursday, August 15.

They found out whether they had been accepted onto university courses or if they had secured an apprenticeship.

Weymouth College students achieved a 100 per cent pass rate, with all students that applied to universities securing a place. Every student that applied to a Russell Group university received offers.

Paul McArthur, the Head of Sixth Form, said: “The A Level staff are extremely proud of all the hard work the students have put in during 2018/19.”

As well as A Levels, the college also celebrated excellent results in BTECs and vocational qualifications.

One especially high achiever was Jan Sovicek, who joined the college from the Czech Republic two years ago and achieved AAA in Maths, Physics and Chemistry, securing himself a place to study engineering at Warwick University.

Kelly Bush, the Vice Principal Curriculum, said: “It is fabulous to see so many high achievers across both academic and vocational areas. I wish all our students good luck with their progression options whether that be university, employment or an apprenticeship.”

Elizabeth Regan, who achieved BBD and a place at Plymouth University to study geography, said: “I am really happy. The college has really supported me. I never did geography for GCSE. I am really interested in energy – it is something I really want to focus on.”

Nigel Evans, the Principal and Chief Executive, said: “Weymouth College was judged ‘Good’ by Ofsted in 2015 and has been judged ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ever since. These results tell you why.”

Budmouth College's Sixth Form also had a spectacular year, with more than 100 students heading off to university.

Josh Frampton managed to get three A* qualifications and is now heading to York to study Natural Sciences. He said: "I'm very pleased, this is not what I was expecting at all. The exams were really hard and it was a lot of revision so I'm glad it's all over now."

Principal David Herbert said: "I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate all students who have been receiving their results across the country today, it’s a very long summer waiting for them.

"We are thrilled to see that the vast majority of students have secured a place at the university of their choice and the range of courses and destinations they are going onto is very exciting indeed. I would like to wish them all the very best of luck in the future.

"At Budmouth we are delighted that the hard work of our students has been rewarded with some excellent results. There is always a lot of national spotlight on A level results but as a large and inclusive sixth form we are also celebrating lots of success in other Level 3 Applied courses."

Performing brilliantly at the highest distinction grade in their Level 3 vocational course were Declan Spearing and Samuel Tubb, who both achieved two distinction stars and a distinction.

Mike Foley, Headteacher of Thomas Hardye School, said: “These are exceptional results, part of a consistent record of excellence over the past five years. Congratulations are due to a wonderful set of students, supported by their parents.

"I want to pay particular tribute to the teaching staff who have navigated their way through a complex set of reforms and these results are a testament to their skills and abilities. Our Ofsted report commented on the inspirational teaching in the sixth form and this is the outcome.”

Around a quarter of grades were marked A to A* and the school recorded an exceptional 99 per cent pass rate.

Becky Rowe, aged 17 from Dorchester, achieved 3 A*s and has been accepted into the University of Exeter to study psychology. She said: “I want to help people, that’s the dream.”