IT was a star-studded day at North Hertfordshire College when students celebrated excellent GCSE results.They included an abundance of A*s, a total of 20 in French, German, Italian, science and Spanish.

IT was a star-studded day at North Hertfordshire College when students celebrated excellent GCSE results.

They included an abundance of A*s, a total of 20 in French, German, Italian, science and Spanish.

GCSE 21st Century Science learners were particularly successful, with a 94 per cent pass rate and an outstanding 86 per cent achieving grades A*-B.

Overall 155 GCSE learners gained a pass at A-C.

Carol Jackson from Stevenage chose to study for a GCSE in science to become a primary school teacher. She achieved an A*, which will allow her to continue with her honours degree and teacher training. Carol said: “I am delighted as I can now realise my dream. The teaching staff were excellent and I would recommend the course to anyone who wants a grounding in science to allow them to go on to further study.”

Brian Hedges works and lives in Stevenage. He is extremely pleased with the A he achieved in GCSE Italian. Brian has been studying languages at the college to support his work.

He said: “I have really enjoyed learning Italian for the last year. I would recommend learning a new language to anyone – the course gives you confidence and the teachers are fantastic. The other students in the class are very supportive.”

Linda Newton, also from Stevenage, was extremely happy with her English GCSE. Linda returned to college to study after having her children. She said: “The first time I walked into college I was quite scared but I had no reason to be, and I only wish I had done it sooner. Now I have got the education bug and plan to go on to do a GCSE in maths, the level 2 in childcare and possibly more in the future!”

College principal Fintan Donohue commented: “The successful learners now have the qualification they need to move on to the next stage in their education or training. I am very proud of their achievements and the percentage of high grades reflects the efforts of learners and staff over the year.”