CLARENDON Academy executive principal Mark Stenton praised the hard work of students and teachers, after the Trowbridge school celebrated another impressive set of A Level results.

Students gathered nervously outside before picking up their results at 9am today, with many hoping that they had achieved the grades they needed to secure their places at university.

There was no need to worry though as the school saw a rise in the number of A* and A grades, while 40 per cent of all grades were at A* to B and nearly three quarters at A* to C.

Mr Stenton was full of praise for the students and teachers and said: “The 2015 results represent yet another very good year for A Level and Level 3 BTEC results at the academy.

“Students and teachers have worked extremely hard and I am delighted with the success that has been achieved. There has been yet another rise in the number of A* and A grades which highlights outstanding effort.

“40 per cent of all grades are at A* to B and nearly three quarters are at A* - C; a magnificent achievement for a truly inclusive and comprehensive 6th Form. There are some very lucky universities about to receive a great cohort of students across a fantastic range of subjects.”

One of the school’s top performers was Alyssa Browne, who secured two A*s in English and maths and a B in German, is going to the University of Southampton to study German and Spanish.

She said: “I did get an email this morning so I knew I had got in, but you are never quite sure until the results are in your hand. I didn’t really sleep last night as I knew what coming up today, but I’m absolutely delighted.”

Another success story was Stephen Johnson, who achieved three As in maths, physics and chemistry and secured his first choice place at Nottingham University to study mechanical engineering.

He was celebrating along with Trowbridge musician Lauren Castle, who achieved an A* in business, A in English literature, B in history and Distinction*in music.

Lauren, who secured her place at Exeter University but is deferring until 2016 to pursue her career in music, said: “I’m deferring my place until 2016 as I’m going to do a music programme based in Bristol before going to Nashville.

“I want to give music a go for a year, but it is great to know that I have my place at Exeter. I did check online this morning to see if I had my place and I was on at 7.30am refreshing the page. I was really nervous but it is good to know the hard work has paid off.”

Elsewhere, Lucy Diggins was celebrating getting into Manchester University to study Pharmacology, after achieving an A in Biology and two Bs in Chemistry and maths, while Jakub Przybylowski secured his place at Bath University with three Bs in biology chemistry and maths.

Head of Clarendon 6th Form Winston Witham said: “All students are to be commended on their efforts and we will be ensuring over the next few days that all of have a successful move into higher education.

“There are some great success stories here with many standout performances of high grades across the board. We wish every one of our students the very best for the future.”