A college has said its students have ‘exceeded expectations’ this A-level results day.

Staff at Brighton, Hove and Sussex Sixth Form College (BHASVIC) said students had yet again shown how resilient they are in the face of grading returning to pre-pandemic standards.

The college, in Dyke Road, said the A-level pass rate of 99.5 per cent is identical to pre-pandemic years, with a record 13.2 per cent of grades at A* (4.6 per cent above national average) with just under 40 per cent at A*-A (12.7 per cent above national average).

BTEC results also match pre-pandemic outcomes with over 60 per cent of results including a distinction or distinction* (ten per cent up on the previous year).

“These courses have an important place in our curriculum and the college is campaigning for the government to reverse their decision to defund them in 2024-25,” a college spokesman said.

Of the 1,502 UCAS applications from BHASVIC, 72.3 per cent have been placed in their first choice with more securing an insurance place. Of those placed, 42 students have been successful in gaining a place at Oxford or Cambridge. The college is working with students not placed to access alternative University courses and progression pathways.

Principal William Baldwin said: “I’d like to thank staff for their dedication and congratulate BHASVIC students for all they have achieved. Our results are a reflection of our amazing college staff and committed students who have once again exceeded expectations in the face of a challenging national picture. I’m so proud of them.

“These results are a culmination of years of learning and as such I’d like to thank our schools for laying the foundations. Thanks must also go to our parents and carers for the support they provide to our learners – especially during the disruption caused by the pandemic.

“And a final word to our students, remember that your results don’t define you – kindness and compassion are more important qualities than grades. I know you have exciting futures ahead - good luck as you embark on your varied and exciting progression routes. You are all exceptional, inspiring, and talented young people and we couldn’t be prouder of you.”