AS the headteacher of Samuel Whitbread Community College prepares for retirement, he can sit back and be proud of his students. Roger Owen, who leaves his post as head of the Clifton school at the end of the month, said: The vast majority of our students

AS the headteacher of Samuel Whitbread Community College prepares for retirement, he can sit back and be proud of his students.

Roger Owen, who leaves his post as head of the Clifton school at the end of the month, said: "The vast majority of our students are off to university and we feel we have played a part in their lives changing. Today is a particularly special day as these are the best A-level results we have ever had, which is very gratifying."

The overall pass rate is 96 per cent with 61 per cent of students securing grades A to C.

Relieved student Rachel Hurst achieved one A, one B and two Cs and is now looking to go to university to study sports science.

She said: "Overall I think I have done quite well and now I want to go to university but I haven't applied yet. I had better start making some phone calls."

Art student Rowan Manning got a B for communication studies and two Cs for art and religious education.

He said: "My grades are pretty much what I expected but I was pleased when the B came up."

Rowan is going to complete an art foundation year at Bedford College before heading off to university.