STUDENTS at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, Darlington, were celebrating after achieving a 99 per cent pass rate, with half of students securing A*, A and B grades.

Among the success stories was Fred Millman, who is profoundly deaf and relies on hearing aids.

He achieved four A grades in maths, computing, ICT and graphics, securing a place at Bath University to study computer science.

Joy Colthup, director of enrichment at the college said: “Fred is a fantastic student who deserves his success. His commitment to pursuing excellence in everything he does is an inspiration to other students.”

Fellow students Ben Donaldson, Cameron Grove, Helen Murray and Joseph Green also had reason to celebrate after securing four A* grades and gaining places at university in Cambridge, Durham and Leicester.

Meanwhile, Amy Hart was one of 100 students from across the county to gain a place on the civil service fast track apprenticeship scheme in Newcastle.

Principal Tim Fisher said: “There was a pass rate this year of 99.3 per cent which in itself is remarkable, but if you take into account the fact that we have got over 2,000 individual subject entries at A-level you get an idea of the scale of the success that the students have achieved this year.

“I am delighted with the success of all of our students and am confident that that they have bright futures ahead of them.”