THERE were a huge number of success stories as Bridgwater students went to collect their A level results on Thursday.

At Bridgwater and Taunton College, staff and students celebrated an excellent academic year with the top 20 A level students achieving 33 A*-A grades between them.

Andy Berry, college principal said: “It has been great to be part of today’s results day and hear all of the success stories and exciting plans of our students who are off to pursue their passions at some top universities.

"The A level programme is one of our flagship programmes at the college and at a time of austerity we are delighted to be able to invest in its continued success."

From September the college will increase delivery hours per subject from 4.5 to 6 hours per week in the first year.

Students have confirmed places with universities such as Aberystwyth, Bath, Cardiff Met, Exeter, Hull, Warwick, and Bridgwater & Taunton College’s own University Centre Somerset, which is situated at the Taunton campus.

Here are some of the college's top high flyers:

n Myles Fisher, a former pupil of Chilton Trinity, achieved an amazing 3 A*s in further mathematics, mathematics and physics and is off to study mathematics at University of Bristol. Myles said: “Wow, I am in total shock, I am so happy and proud of my results.”

n Ross French, a former pupil of Haygrove School, achieved an A* in mathematics, and 2 As in further mathematics and chemistry and is off to Durham University to study mathematics.

n Robin Simmons, a former pupil of Huish Episcopi, achieved 2 A*s in mathematics and physics and an A in further mathematics and is off to study mathematics at The University of Bristol.

n Aaron Griffiths, a former pupil of St Dunstan’s School, achieved 3 As in government and politics, philosophy and sociology and is off to the Queen Mary University of London to study politics. He said: “I am really pleased with my results and can’t wait to start at university.”

n Cerin Pye, a former pupil of Churchill Academy, achieved 2 As in archaeology and geology and a B in geography and is off to University of Leicester to study geology with palaeobiology.

n James Della Valle, former pupil of Kingsmead School, achieved an A in fine art and Bs in photography and physics and is off to University College London to study architecture. He said “I am so glad I got the grades I needed, I have wanted to be an Architect since Year 8. Thank you to the staff, they have all been so supportive.”

n Georgia Smith, a former pupil of Haygrove School, achieved 2 As in biology and geography and a B in chemistry and is going to Surrey University to study veterinary science.

n Sadie Fear, former pupil of Bishop Fox’s School, achieved an A in geology and Bs in biology and psychology and is going to Exeter University to study geology. She said: “I am very happy with my grades and can’t wait to start university!”

If you would like to know more about studying A Levels or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Bridgwater & Taunton College please contact our Information and Guidance team on 01278 441234 or visit our website www.btc.ac.uk.

Meanwhile eight students from Bridgwater who attended Richard Huish College in Taunton also celebrated their outstanding A Level and vocational results.

n Grace Pelligrinelli (former Huish Episcopi School) gained 2 A* grades in French and Spanish, A grade in maths and A* in Extended Project Qualification. Grace plans to read French and Spanish at Gonnville and Caius College, Cambridge.

n Olivia Reid, from Over Stowey, gained 2 A* grades in English literature and history late modern, A grade in Spanish and A grade in Extended Project Qualification. Olivia is going to study history of art at The Courtauld Institute of Art.

n Emily Smith (former Haygrove School) gained A* in Law, 2 A grades in economics and history early modern and A in Extended Project Qualification.

n Olivia Shorthouse (former Haygrove School) gained A* in Chemistry, 2 A grades in biology and maths while Harry Beaugie (former Heathfield School) gained 3 distinction* in vocational Sport.

n Victoria Saban (former Haygrove School) gained 3 distinction* in vocational business, Lucy Wilkins (former Bishop Fox’s School) gained 3 distinction* in vocational health and social care and Harvey Wilkinson (former Haygrove School) gained 3 distinction* in vocational IT.