Pupils from schools around Wiltshire celebrated their A-level results today, with Wiltshire Council confirming that more A-level students in the county are achieving the top grades of A* to B.

Hundreds of teenagers across the county were nervously checking to see if they had achieved the grades they needed to get into further education, with many celebrating following months of hard work.

Laura Mayes, cabinet member for children services, said: “I would like to offer my congratulations to all the students who have achieved their results today and to the teaching staff who have supported them.

“The young people have worked extremely hard throughout their studies to gain these results.

"I would wish to add my very best wishes for their future, whether they go onto further or higher education, employment or on a gap year.”

There was a buzz among students at St Augustine’s School in Trowbridge Thursday morning with many arriving at 8am to collect their results.

Alistair Fisher, from Devizes, was relieved to hear he had secured a place at Cambridge University to study computer science in October, after achieving two A*s, in maths and chemistry, and an A in physics and further maths.

He said: “I was really nervous and got up at 7.30am but I am really pleased. It was close - I got in by four marks.”

Jamie Chappell, from Beanacre, will go on to study physics at Imperial College in London, after gaining three A*s, in maths, further maths and physics, and an A in physics and further maths.

Headteacher Joe Alsop said: “This was another excellent year of Advanced level results with 83% of grades attained at A*to C and 51% of grades attained at A*-B. 94% achieved three or more A levels.”

At St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon, students gathered to see what results awaited them.

Luke Coles, from Bradford on Avon, was ecstatic to hear that he surpassed his requirements to study German and French at Southampton University.

He needed two As and a B, but came away with three As in French, German and maths.

He said: “I thought I would get away with two As and a B at a push but I got three As which means I get to study an integrated masters at Southampton University in French and German. I’m so happy.”

Jacob Harper, from Limpley Stoke, gained an A in biology, A in maths and B in chemistry and is planning on working and travelling for his gap year before heading off to university next year.

He said: “I am really pleased with my results. The one thing I was planning to do was marine biology at Southampton University after my gap year.”

Headteacher at St Laurence Fergus Stewart said: “We are very proud of the A level results gained by our students.

“Congratulations to them all. They have made a wonderful contribution to the school and have maintained the high standards associated with St Laurence.”

Meanwhile, at John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge, pupil Fraser Todd, 18, was delighted to achieve A* grades in maths, biology and chemistry. He will be studying to become a doctor at Brighton and Sussex Medical School.

Fraser said: “I’m absolutely over the moon and I can’t quite believe it. I couldn’t have done this without the support of the school who have really helped me along the way so much.”

Clarendon Academy pupil, Sam Lee, 18, got a B in maths, B in physics and D in chemistry and will be studying physics at Swansea University. He said: “I’m feeling good and looking forward to the next part of my studies.”

Mariam Hegray, 18, got an A* in English, B in History and a B in psychology and wants to become a solicitor after studying a law degree at Cardiff University.

She said: “I’m delighted and it is a great reward for two years of hard work. I’m very much looking forward to starting my new studies.”

Mark Stenton, Clarendon Academy headteacher, said:  “We know that the Class of 2013 will grace the country’s universities with outstanding students who have great futures ahead of them. Well done to all students and teachers.”

At Melksham Oak, headteacher Stephen Clark was in a celebratory mood, after the school managed to better their results from last year, securing a 100 per cent pass rate.

Mr Clark said: "That performance is all due to hard working students, supportive parents, and committed teachers. Every year it's wonderful to see the students so happy with what they have achieved.”

Matt Williams, 18, from Melksham Oak, said: "I'm pleasantly surprised to get into uni, I'll be going to Bournemouth to study acting.

"I needed to get BCC, and got a BCD, but I had an email this morning saying I had got it, which was great. It'd really good to see everyone here together."

Students at Kingdown School were also in a jubilant mood, as the school celebrated its best results with a pass rate of 99.6 per cent.

One of the star pupils was Jennifer Irons, who achieved three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and will now go on to study Natural Sciences at Cambridge.

Jennifer said: “I was really happy and relieved when I found out I got in and I’m really excited about going on to Cambridge. It’s all still a bit surreal.”

Headteacher Sara Edwards said: “These students are an exceptional group of young people who have significantly contributed to the life of our school.

“We are very proud of their achievements and wish them every happiness and success in their future lives.”

There was also excitement in the air at Matravers School, where Cameron Burnell-Gray achieved three C grades in geology, maths and geography, and a B for his extended project.

He is going on to study civil engineering at Portsmouth University. He said: "I am really looking forward to going into university and I am over the moon with how well I’ve done."

Sam McNeil was in good spirits, after achieving an A* in biology and A grades in chemistry and geology. He will now study zoology at Exeter.

He said: "It’s been a lot of hard work but now I’m really looking forward to going to university and its great I’ve managed to achieve the right results."

Results rose again at Warminster School in comparison with last year’s outcomes, as evidenced by an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.

Headteacher Martin Priestley said: “These are really pleasing results and I am thrilled that so many of our students have achieved the highly demanding offers they required for the university courses on which they had set their sights.”

There were some more excellent results at Corsham School, where Marianna Hunt got an A* and three As to get a place at Oxford to read French and Zac Du Toit got four A*s and an A. He is now going to study medicine at Bristol.

Alan Bolter, head of sixth form at the school, said: "I've been looking through the results early this morning, and we've had a hundred per cent pass rate, which is the best we have ever had.

"I am absolutely delighted; they were a fantastic year group, and they all deserve their success."