PETROC college has experienced an increase in the number of students applying for science-based courses.

Petroc, formerly North Devon College, has received 129 more applicants — a 20% increase — for chemistry, biology and physics A Levels starting in September 2010.

More than 40 per cent of chemistry students gained a grade A in last year's chemistry exams.

Prospective students can apply online for Petroc's full time courses starting in September 2010 by visiting www.petroc.ac.uk.