A school slated by Ofsted inspectors has celebrated its best ever A-level results - with two pupils winning places at Oxford University.

Boundstone Community College in Lancing was placed in special measures after the damning inspectors' report two months ago which criticised the school' s leadership, performance and staff morale.

Today, teachers and pupils were on cloud nine after recording a record-breaking 94 per cent pass rate - up 10 per cent on last year.

Jamie Cockrill, 18, of Ambleside, Sompting, is looking forward to reading physics at Oxford. Katie-Ann Heath, 18, of North Farm Road, Lancing, will study English there after gaining three A grades.

Students across Sussex were today celebrating highest-ever A-level pass rates for the 19th year running.

The results at Boundstone are a tremendous turnaround.

Head of sixth form Mike Chandler said: "We are absolutely delighted with our best A-level results ever.

"They underline the hard work of students and staff.

"The results are a huge morale booster for students, staff and the whole community. They demonstrate the real potential of the school.

"They have also set a good example to the younger pupils. The results show that students can achieve the highest standards and the school is on its way back."

Students at nearby Lancing College were also celebrating today, with passes in 294 out of 297 A-levels taken.

More than 66 per cent of results were graded A or B, a three per cent rise on last year.

Head teacher Peter Tinniswood said: "Our students have done very well indeed this year.

"I'm particularly pleased with the overall pass rate, which shows that all of our A level students have achieved their academic goals."

One in five students gained three or more grade As.

Those gaining four A grades included Mary Linden of Brighton Road, Worthing; Paul Sherrell of Third Avenue, Lancing; Julia Benham-Hermetz of Bramber; Sam Tyson of Clifton Road, Brighton; Caroline Dale of Pulborough and Alex Muzio of Rushlake Road, Brighton.

This summer's A-level students were the first to come through the system created by the government's Curriculum 2000 reforms.

Pupils now take AS-level exams at the end of their first year of study, followed by A-levels a year later.

But despite the record results across England and Wales, concerns have been raised about students facing heavier workloads because of the reforms.

The number of A-level entries fell by six per cent, from 748,000 to 702,000. AS-level entries increased from 794,000 to 995,000.

Some critics have called for AS-levels to be scrapped.

David Hart, general secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, said teachers and students deserved credit.

He said: "This annual blood-letting about standards is in danger of getting completely out of hand."