A-LEVEL results day brought happiness and a touch of relief to Queen’s College students in Taunton.

“We’ve all been aware of the widespread media stories predicting that universities would be very tough indeed over admissions this year,” said headmaster Chris Alcock.

“But in the event almost all of our students are into the university of their choice.”

Overall, 86% of Queen’s results were A, B or C grades. In addition to 15 students with straight As, there was a 100% A-level pass rate for the year as a whole.

“All of our Oxbridge candidates are able to take up their places,” added Mr Alcock, “And looking ahead to the changing grades next year it’s gratifying that some of our brightest students produced the kind of outstanding results that would have got them an A* in 2010 – and that’s what the most prestigious universities will be looking for.

“Despite talk of the recession affecting numbers, independent schools are still giving great value in terms of getting pupils into really good universities.

“It’s a combination of excellent teaching and really good advice to the students.”

The County Gazette is giving you the chance to give the hardworking students a public pat on the back with our new text message service.

All you need to do is text us your congratulatory message and we’ll publish as part of our results round-up next week.

All you need to do is send the message to 80360, starting it with the keyword GAZETTEALEVEL followed by a space and then your message.

Messages must be received by 8am on Monday, August 24 and they will appear in the paper on August 27.

Messages cost £1.50 – for the terms and conditions, click here.