The head of Ivybridge Community College has paid tribute to the "wonderful young people" that achieved some of the best GCSE results in the school’s history.

Staff said it was "highly pleasing to be able to report that Ivybridge Community College continues to go from strength to strength" in the face of changes that had been expected to disrupt results nationally.

A new grading system was introduced this year for English language, literature and maths. For the first time, students were graded 1 to 9 for these subjects, with 9 the highest. The numbers replace the traditional A* to G grades, and will be phased in for all subjects starting from next year.

The college highlighted:

· 264 - 75 per cent against the national average of 66.3 per cent - students achieved the new ’Basics’ measure, previously A* - C in English and mathematics.

· 54 students achieved the new 9 – 7 ‘High Pass’ measure, previously A* - A in English and mathematics.

· 22 students achieved 10 A*/A grades or more across all their subjects.

· 118 students achieved 3 A*/A grades or more.

Principal Rachel Hutchinson said: "These results are extremely impressive and they are a true reward for both the hard work of our students and the high quality teaching at the college. A large number of staff across a range of subjects have been robust in tackling the new and more demanding specifications and assessment criteria this year.

"These impressive results clearly indicate the high standards of the college and demonstrate what our students are capable of. Many students have exceeded their target grades, achieving strong passes in subjects such as science, with 94 per cent of entries achieving strong passes in physics, chemistry and biology.

"Particular praise must been given to our new head of religious studies teacher, Gail Snodin and the teaching staff, who have managed to achieve an incredible 81 per cent gaining strong passes, with a further 31 per cent obtaining the highest passes.

"I am thrilled with the achievements of these wonderful young people. They have worked in a determined fashion and have now successfully harvested the fruits of their labour. While their academic success is showcased today, we also recognise the considerable contribution they have made to college life through the arts, sports and outdoor education”.

The head also offered thanks to all the trustees, governors, staff, parents and students for their support and contributions. She said such successes will secure students’ futures, and wished them well in the next phases of their lives.