Pupils celebrate exam results

74 percent of students gained top grades in the subject, putting the college in the top bracket in the country.

Overall the college continued its success with 75 percent of students gaining 5 A* - C grades.

Some high flying students went on to take A level qualifications early with Year 11 student Imogen Reeves achieving a Grade A A-level two years ahead of the normal schedule.

Art and design, ICT, Business Studies and PE celebrated a 100 percent success rate at Grade C and above.

Many students in Year 9 were also celebrating their success in achieving a GCSE in Expressive Arts and French two years early.

Principal Ann Cockerham said: “We are proud of the achievements of all the young people who took examinations this year.

“We are always sad to see students in Year 11 leaving but we wish our young people continuing success as they move on to further study.”

Rye College students will not have far to travel to continue their post-16 studies with the college planning to open a Studio School in Rye in September 2013, which will be one of only 30 in the country.

It brings back post-16 education to the town for the first time in more than a decade.

Recruitment for places next year will start this autumn.

Rye Studio School will give young people the opportunity to study for traditional academic qualifications alongside vocational qualifications, preparing them for university programmed or for employment within the creative industries.

Ann Cockerham explained: “Work experience is a key feature of Studio School life, which aims to prepare young people for successful employment.

“Rye College had chosen to focus on the creative industries; a sector that is becoming increasingly important to the UK economy and which builds on our strength in the arts.”