Students celebrate top marks on results day
BBCThousands of students across Devon, Cornwall and the Channel Islands have been collecting their A-level, T-level and BTec exam results.
Top marks across England, Wales and Northern Ireland rose for a third year in a row – with 28.5% of all grades marked at A* or A.
A record number of 18-year-olds across the UK also secured a place at their first choice of university, the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (Ucas) said.
The overall pass rate for A-levels taken by students in Jersey was 98.7%, while the States of Guernsey said the overall Bailiwick A*-E and IB equivalent pass rate (Grades 7-2) was 99.2%.
Penwith College in Cornwall offers a range of A-level equivalent options, with students going on to follow a variety of career paths.
The head of A-levels at Penwith, Dr Elle Wheatley, said the grades had been "absolutely wonderful" and were "record-breaking" for the college.
"We've done even better this year," she said.
"We got 11.2% A*s, 32.3% A* to B, which is just significantly above national average and we are just so proud of the students."
'Right choice'
BTec student Ellie, who is set to study midwifery at Plymouth University after receiving three distinction stars in health and social care, said: "I think BTecs becoming more known and more accepted.
"I think it's brilliant and the support is amazing for them."
Freddy, a T-level games design student at Penwith, said he thought attitudes to T-levels were also "changing slowly", adding the program was the "right choice" for him.
"It's only one course and I like to focus my effort on one thing at a time so then I can do the best I can at it," he said.
Fellow student Johnny secured three A*s in his A-levels and, despite his top grades, said he did not intend to go to university.
"I'm aiming to do the police degree apprenticeship [PCDA], which is a sort of three-year course where they pay you to go through a degree," he explained.
"You earn while you learn with the PCDA, so I think that's definitely a good option.
"I think a lot of people are realising the debt you get from university and it doesn't always guarantee a career, so it's a gamble really."
Others said they intended to take some time out before starting any more education.
Mia, an applied science student at Exeter College, said she was "really, really happy" to wake up to three distinctions.
"I'm taking a gap year to Australia and then, a year later, I'm going to university to study veterinary physiotherapy," she said.
Exeter College said the overall pass rate for A-level learners was 99.67% this year, up on 2025, while 89% achieved an A*-C.
T-level and vocational students also gained positive results, with a pass rate of over 98%, it added.
In Jersey, head of Beaulieu School Matthew Burke said there had been a "mixture of results".
He said: "There's those that have done really well and there's those that have not quite met their expectations and beliefs.
"But all have done incredibly well and we are proud of all of them."
Highlands College principal Lance Chatfield said he was "really chuffed" for students and their plans for the future.
"That 99% pass rate is tremendous," he said.
Dominic and Alef, both 18, from Jersey's Hautlieu College, said they both got into their first-choice universities.
"It's important to know the grades don't define you," Dominic said. "I tried my hardest, I studied a lot."
Alef, who is due to study at the University of Bristol, added the move to study in the UK while "coming from a small island" was "nerve-wracking" but "exciting".
'Phenomenal day'
In Guernsey, Elizabeth College students celebrated a 100% pass rate across A-level scores.
Sixth Form Centre principal Kieran James also said there had been a "significant improvement in our results".
He said: "There are very few students who are disappointed.
"We have some who didn't think they got their university places but they have got their results, having walked in really tentatively thinking they haven't got their grades and they have got their offer."
Ladies College student Bailey told the BBC: "I was very nervous on the drive up here and had a bit of a rough sleep last night, but it was such a relief to open the envelope.
"I'm really happy: I got two A*s and an A."
College head teacher Morag Herring said: "It's been a phenomenal day."
