HUNDREDS of students were celebrating record exam results at schools and colleges across Darlington yesterday.

The town's top performer was Polam Hall Girls' School, which achieved a 100 per cent A-level pass rate.

The number of pupils achieving grades A-C at A-level was 90 per cent.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College got a 98.5 per cent pass rate. More than half the students achieved grades A or B.

Fay Tuddenham, 18, from Mowden, was the college's highest-achiever with five A grades in maths, further maths, chemistry, physics and general studies.

She plans to study physical sciences at Cambridge University next term.

Steven Metcalfe, 18, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, also picked up five A grades - with A-levels in maths, further maths, psychology and general studies and an AS in Economics.

He will study psychology and maths at Keele University.

"I'm quite chuffed," he said. "I'd been predicted As but it's still a nice surprise."

Carmel RC Technology College, which had 85 students sitting A-levels, also achieved a 98.5 per cent pass rate, an improvement on last year's results.

Eighteen-year-old Hollie Marchant was the star of the day with four A grades, in maths, further maths, law and psychology.

She intends to take up a place studying law at Oxford University.

Headteacher James O'Neill said: "These results reflect the hard work of students and staff and I recognise the high level of support afforded by parents.

"I am delighted that the majority of our students achieved results which enable them to go to their first choice university.

An overall pass rate for A-levels at Darlington College of Technology was not available. But the college achieved an 88 per cent pass rate for students sitting Advanced Vocational Certificates of Education.

Of the 38 candidates who took A-levels in languages such as French, Spanish and Italian, 95 per cent passed.

Principal Sarah Farley, said: "We are very pleased for our successful students."