SPECIAL education programmes and internet learning helped Dorcan Technology College to its finest all-round GCSE results.

Delighted pupils learned yesterday that for the first time in the school's history every single pupil gained a GCSE pass.

Jodie Bowes, 16, from the town centre, took an e-learning course to boost her chances.

She said: "I was really worried earlier in the year. Over Easter I used a computer learning guide for two weeks.

"It gave me the confidence to go on and get the grades I need to study further."

Twins Sophie and Ellie Phillips, 16, from Covingham almost got matching exam marks. Both are going to study at New College in the autumn.

Ellie said: "We both got mostly C grades, which isn't surprising - we are always getting the same results.

Richard Steinmann, 16, from Park North, was facing failure a year ago. After a miserable time at school, staff entered him for the Swindon Creative Education Project at the County Ground.

He said: "I left Year 10 with no coursework. I didn't like the atmosphere or the uniform.

"At the County Ground it was completely different. I had more freedom and felt better studying."

Richard achieved two As in IT and three other passes, and will study at Swindon College before going on to be an electrician.

Among several high achievers was 16-year-old Tom Bates, from Nythe, who got four A grades and five Bs.

He said: "I'm pleased with my results across the board. I didn't hit my targets in some subjects but made it up with unexpected results."

Headteacher Scott Sissons praised the effort of every Dorcan student.

He said: "These are the best results in the history of the school.

"We had a group of students who gained several As and A*s, but there was a strong all-round performance this year.

"No student from this group will leave the school with nothing; this is the first time in our history that this has happened."