IT was tears of joy for students at St Laurence School in Bradford on Avon after three quarters of the A Level grades achieved were A*-C.

Eight students achieved a clutch of 3 A*s and A grades and overall grades have risen considerably over more recent years according to the school.

Sam Jones, 18 achieved three A’s in maths, biology and physics and will now go on to study maths and sports science at Swansea University.

He said: “I set my mind that I wanted to get A’s and two B’s so I feel really lucky that I’ve got these results. I’m really looking forward to uni and I’m glad it’s all done.”

While Lucy Mobbs, 18 managed to get an A* in maths, A in French and a B in history – a result which has guaranteed her place at the University of Warwick to study French and Spanish.

She said: “I wasn’t expecting to get these results but I am definitely over the moon to get them and my parents said they are really proud.”

Fellow student Ellie Watson is off to the University of Exeter next month to study German and Russian after achieving AAB. The 18-year-old said “I was hoping I would get the grades but I wasn’t certain. Now I’m looking forward to a new chapter in my life because the last couple of months have been really stressful and now I’m glad it is over.”

Headteacher Fergus Stewart said he was incredibly proud: “The value added in our 6th form is high, something we are very proud of in the light of our policy of giving opportunities to a broad range of post-16 students.

“Sixth form students contribute a great deal to St Laurence and their success, in both academic and vocational subjects, is well deserved. We are proud of those going on to apprenticeships and jobs, as well as the many who will now be looking forward to starting a university course in the next few months.”