Hereford Sixth Form College confirmed its position in education's premier league as students excelled themselves in the A-level examinations.

The college did well as it has been named as one of the two best performing non-selective sixth form colleges in the country.

"For a comprehensive, open access sixth form college to be in the top rank of colleges nationally, out-performing all local maintained schools and selective grammar schools, is a real achievement," said college principal Jonathan Godfrey.

More than 520 candidates took A-levels, returning an overall pass rate of nearly 99 per cent and more than half the grades were at either A or B level.

Two students - Lisa Morris and Mathew Fortnam - achieved some of the best individual scores in their subjects in the country - Lisa in sociology and communication studies and Matthew for PE.

Four students - Rebecca Gittoes, Brian Lane, Grant Lloyd and Samantha Turvey - gained five A-levels at grade A while 24 students achieved four straight grade As.

Altogether, 64 students (12 per cent of the candidates from the college) were awarded three or more A grades.

"Hereford Sixth Form College students once again gained outstanding examination results.

"The overall pass rate was significantly above the national average," added Dr Godfrey.

Results at AS level were also impressive, with more than 700 students taking AS level exams and recording an overall pass rate of 93 per cent, which is well above the national average, and 46 per cent of entries resulting in an A or B grade.

Four students got five grade As - John Jeffery, Guy Marshall, Lucy Shuter and Fynn Stewart.

Eighty-eight students achieved three or more AS passes at grade A.

Turn to this week's Hereford Times for more news of A-level results