It was a nail-biting time for thousands of sixth-formers across the country as A-level results were released.

In Lewisham and Greenwich, knees were trembling as potential university students saw if they had made the grade to start in September.

For some there was disappointment when they opened the envelope, but for others there was relief and joy that their months of study had finally paid dividends.

One brave Lewisham College student escaped a civil war to study in England.

Hashim Tejan, 21, came over to England from Sierra Leone to escape the bloody civil war which was raging.

He dedicated his life to his studies and was overjoyed on results day when he opened his envelope and discovered he had achieved A grades in chemistry and maths as well as a B in physics.

Hashim is now getting ready to start a degree in maths and computer science at Imperial College in the autumn.

He said: “I have enjoyed myself here and would highly recommend Lewisham College to anyone else.

“Eventually, I would like to set up my own business.

“But I want to gain some experience before I try anything like that.”

Overall, Lewisham College achieved its best-ever results, with a pass rate of 87 per cent.

The head of the academic centre at the college, Mrs Ann West, said: “We're thrilled at these results and our students achievements in physics and maths were particularly encouraging as these are traditionally regarded as 'hard subjects'. “

Deputy for lifelong learning at Lewisham Council, Katy Donnelly, was helping pupils at Sydenham School celebrate.

She said: “The message the council is sending out across the borough is congratulations to all those who have done their A-levels.

“The exams are difficult and stressful on the people taking them.

“It is the culmination of months of hard work and they can all go off and enjoy a well-deserved holiday.”

Patrick John