St Laurence School headteacher Fergus Stewart paid tribute to his sixth formers, saying: “Once again we are immensely proud of our students’ achievements.

"Of the 115 students, 13 achieved a “clean sweep” of top grades, gaining at least 3 A or A*s, and two students have secured places at Oxbridge as a result of their outstanding grades.

“There has been an increase in the average point score achieved per student, reflecting sustained hard work and commitment to a full set of subjects, both academic and vocational. Overall achievement has been in line with expectations.

“This is the first year there has been no opportunity to resit AS modules in January, so much more has depended on the final summer exams and we are particularly pleased with how well students have performed.”

Lucy Bennett, from Bradford on Avon, achieved A* English in literature, A in biology, B in maths, and got into her first choice of Bristol University to study law.

She said: "I would rather have a clean sheet and not get a B. I knew maths had gone badly. But I'm really pleased. I got four As at as-level so I knew I was ready.

“I have been here since Year 7 so I'm sad to leave but really excited for uni. I really like the sound of the course.

Ben Gailey, from Trowbridge, gained an A in philosophy and ethics, B in English and B in history, and got into Cardiff University to study history and philosophy.

He said: "The exam process was incredibly nerve wracking, terrifying. But now I have my results I'm satisfied. They were the grades I wanted."

Ben, who has been at St Laurence since Year 7, said: "I have built everything up from here. At first I didn't feel ready for uni but now I have my grades I'm ready."

Oscar Davenport, from Bathford, gained A in maths, B in physics, and B in further maths. He need AAA to get into his first choice of Sheffield University to study mechanical engineering (a four year masters), but he was accepted with ABB.

He is taking a gap year before the course and will be working in a workshop before cycling from Vancouver to Los Angeles with a friend.

About his results he said: "The plan I thought wouldn’t go right went right. I was very lucky. Only this morning I had a pep talk with my mum about how I was going to retake the year.

"I can now have a relaxing year and plan for the trip."