HUNDREDS of students from Newcastle College are heading to university next month after achieving success in their A-levels.

The college's record-breaking exam results mean many teenagers have secured their first choice university places and have not had to turn to the clearing system for help.

Nationally, vacancies available through clearing this year have plummeted as unprecedented numbers of people have applied to university to avoid entering the jobs market during a recession.

At Newcastle College, more than 500 students are thought to have clinched higher education places for the autumn – one of the largest figures for any college in the West Midlands.

They include 18-year-old Steve Cottrell, from Trentham. He said: "In my A-levels, I got As in psychology and business and a B in maths. I love business, so I'm going to study business management at Loughborough University."

Matthew Wainwright, aged 18, from Etruria, got three Bs in his A-levels and is planning to study biology at Nottingham University.

He said: "I'm totally chuffed I got the grades I needed. But I have to say I'm glad it's over. I think my family were more nervous than I was!"

Roxanne Abercrombie, from Knutton, gained four As and a B in her A-levels at Newcastle College. The 18-year-old said: "I got As for history, English literature, English language, classical civilisation, and a B for critical thinking. I'm going to Keele University to study English and history."

Jodie Shaw is also staying local, she is off to Staffordshire University to do a degree in English literature and psychology.

Jodie, aged 18, from Stoke, got three As at A-level after studying English, psychology and graphic design.

She said: "My results have exceeded all my expectations. It's been a massive relief. My nan kept on texting me to see what results I'd got!"

Overall at Newcastle College, the A-level pass rate has been 98 per cent this year, up more than one per cent.

Elsewhere in Staffordshire, there have also been plenty of students celebrating top A-level results. At Thomas Alleyne's High, in Uttoxeter, 46 per cent of all A-level entries were awarded A or B grades this year.

Star students include Jack Bradley-Seddon, aged 18, from Cubley, near Uttoxeter, who achieved five As. He is now heading to Oxford University to take a degree in law.

At Walton High, in Stafford, 43 per cent of all A-level grades have been As and Bs. It marks a five per cent increase on last year.

Alice Robinson, with five A grades, is moving on to Cambridge University. Also Cambridge-bound is David Meacham, who gained four A grades in his A-levels at Walton.

Meanwhile, Matthew Triggs, who achieved four As at the school, is heading to Oxford University.

Teenagers picking up their GCSE results this Thursday are being invited to an advice event at Newcastle College, between 9.30am and 5.30pm, where they will be able to find out about available courses.