HIGH-ACHIEVING Godalming College students overcame extra challenges posed by changes to A-Levels to gain record results.

Former Woolmer Hill pupils Alice Travis, from Chiddingfold, and Tabatha Weir, from Haslemere achieved six A* grades and two As between them and the group of four gained 11 A* grades and four As.

Tabatha is going to Exeter to study English and modern foreign languages.

Both students belonged to one of Godalming’s Aim High groups, which provide support for students who are looking to study at top universities or for particular courses such as medicine – all the courses that have entry tests and interviews.

Harry Fitzgerald, who also went to Woolmer Hill and lives in Haslemere, has been the star of many a college production and was very involved with ClassAction, the college’s theatre company.

He had a range of offers from excellent drama schools but has chosen to take an acting degree at the University of Surrey’s Guildford School of Acting.

A group of former Bohunt students from Liphook also achieved top A-level grades.

Hugo Millard, who has been prolific in public speaking and debating will be taking his place at Durham University to study English literature, while Caitlin Allsop will be attending Downing College, University of Oxford in September to study English and Ella Burgoyne will be taking her place at Sheffield to study modern languages.

Eyra Norman, who performed at the Royal Albert Hall, in June, was crowned Young Musician of the Year 2017 by Rotary GB and Ireland, will be attending London’s Royal College of Music, on a full scholarship.

The soprano was sponsored by Godalming Rotary Club, won the vocal category in her district and regional finals before going on to compete in the national final at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, giving outstanding performances.

More than 950 Godalming College students took A-level exams and BTEC qualifications, with 2,550 entries at A-level and 381 BTEC entries.

The A-level pass rate of 99 per cent and the A* to C grade rate of 82.4 per cent is even better than last year.

A total of 210 grades awarded were at A*, which is at a rate above the national average.

The BTEC pass rate was 100 per cent, with 94 per cent of entries at distinction or merit levels. Nearly 200 students completed the extended project qualification (EPQ), and 91 per cent achieved A* to C.

College principal Emma Young told The Herald: “I am delighted and very proud of our students who have yet again performed at the highest levels.

“We had 2,550 entries at A-Level and well over half of these were at A* to B., with our A* rate up on last year.

“Our BTEC results are also superb and high grades here are also higher than last year. We have exceeded national benchmarks.

“The results provide students with an excellent stepping stone.

“We wish them all the very best for the future,” she added.