STAR pupil Chris Paluch said hard work was the key to his fantastic A-level success yesterday. The 18-year-old Elizabeth College student received the island’s top marks with five As, in biology, chemistry, physics, maths and further maths.

He will be going to St John’s College in Cambridge next month to study medicine.

‘I’m very happy,’ he said. ‘I put in a lot of work and it has paid off. You have to put in a lot of work, but obviously some natural ability is required as well.’

He had a shock yesterday when he discovered that his biology mark ranked in the top five in the entire UK.

‘It is a very surreal feeling to know that I’m one of the top biology students in the country.’

The Grammar School achieved the same results as last year with a 99% pass rate.

The high-grade passes (A and B) were at 63% and the average points per student rose from 277 last year to 286.9 – an A grade is awarded 120 points.

Head teacher Jeff Smith was pleased with the results.

‘We saw another good increase for us, with 12 students getting four As and 22 with three As,’ he said.

‘I’m delighted for the students. It reflects very well for them and the work they have done over the last two years. I’m also very proud of the staff and all the hard work they have put in.’

Mr Smith refuted claims that exams were getting easier.

‘A-level students and teachers would not say that exams are getting easier,’ he said.

‘The difference is, with the system we have now, is that if they fail an AS-level they can drop it.

‘The system is directed to improving grades if you look at it like that but it does not take away from the fact that the level of achievement is excellent again.’

Elizabeth College students were also celebrating, with a 100% pass rate. The A-C pass rate rose substantially from 84% in 2006 to 97% this year.

‘These are the college’s finest ever A2-level results, with a 100% pass rate at grades A to D,’ said principal Dr Nick Argent.

‘Indeed, of 174 entries, all but five resulted in A, B or C grades. This talented cohort has achieved the college’s highest ever points score per candidate by a wide margin.

‘These fine results are a credit to the pupils and reflect their hard work and the support that they have received from college staff.’

He added that students had responded well to the wide range of academic choice the college offered.

‘A further pleasing aspect is that in parallel with their academic performance, this group has achieved very high standards in sport, music and drama.’