The city's college is celebrating being top of the world again, with students achieving International Baccalaureate (IB) scores well above the world average.

The 26 students completing their two-year diploma this year achieved average points of 33.6 out of a possible 45, against a world average of 29.8. Many students gained top marks in their subjects, with 21 top scores of grade 7.

Emily Johnstone, 18, said on receiving the news that her impressive 39 points means she will be reading Law at Cambridge: “It's all been worth it, I'm really surprised with my results and really pleased. Doing the IB has meant that you get the whole two years to really get to know people and I've really enjoyed it.”

IB students take six different subjects, as opposed to the three traditionally taken by A level students. In addition to studying core subjects, such as Maths, English, Languages, Sciences and Arts, candidates also complete an extended essay and voluntary work. Exeter College was one of the first in the country to offer the IB 19 years ago, and was the first in Devon to do so.

As an internationally recognised qualification, the IB is particularly attractive to students who may wish to continue their studies abroad.

Inga Steinberg, 18, has been studying in the UK for 5 years. Set to visit Chile to further develop her Spanish during her gap year, she then hopes to go to the Dutch University of Utrecht. “I want to focus on humanities, which I love, but want to improve my Spanish first.” Inga is celebrating scoring 39 points – one of the highest scores in her year group.

Maddie Edwards, 18 had two special celebrations in one day since she was not only picking up her IB results of 37 points but it was also her 18th birthday “This is a great way to celebrate my 18th,” she said “All the hard work has paid off. I love Biology and want to work with people so I'm going onto Oxford Brookes University to study midwifery – although I think I'll have a massive party to celebrate my birthday first!”

Anne Oxborough, Assistant Principal at Exeter College said: “Each year we are so proud of this group of students, who succeed on such a demanding and challenging course. This year, the average score for our students has risen again as they continue to excel. We are proud that this internationally-renowned qualification continues to attract high-calibre students who will be able to continue on to exciting destinations, whether that be to world-class universities, gap years or employment.”