What Makes Crowborough Beacon's A Level Results Different?

Crowborough Beacon's A level students have triumphed this year.  As well as their excellent results, nearly all of the 117 students aiming for university places have secured them, which is far removed from the national average of 40%.

According to the College's website

3 Students have gained Oxbridge Places, 100% of A level students have passed 2 or more A levels.

100% of BTEC students passed National Awards and National Certificates.

78% of A level students achieved A* - C grades.

50% of A level students achieved the highest grades of A*, A and B.

Nearly half of all A level maths students gained A* or A grades.

Nearly half of all A level English students gained A* - B grades.

More than half of all A level sciences students gained A* to B grades.

 More than half of all A level art and design students gained A* to B grades.

So what is it about Beacon that makes it so successful in gaining university places for its students? At the moment you can't turn on the telly or radio without  hearing tales of oversubscribed universities, A level students without places, and UCAS's clearing woes. 

Time and time again I've heard  reports that the financial crisis has meant more students than ever are applying to go to university and staying in education before entering an ever decreasing job market.  Why has this suddenly become a problem?  A generation ago the aim was that everyone would go to university - a case in point was the re-modelling of polytechnics into universities to make tertiary education available to all. 

What do you think?