SOUTH Craven School students responded with relief and delight to their A-level and BTEC results when they gathered early this morning. (Aug 16)

Among those at the school celebrating the outcome of their hard work were young people who had not quite managed the grades demanded for their first choice places of study, but had still gained acceptance on their desired courses.

Maddie Lloyd, of Sutton, got Bs in her business and German A-levels and a C in A-level maths.

She said: "I did find the exams really hard and I came out of a few of them feeling quite upset.

"There was a lot of studying to do, and I was up until the early hours of the morning revising.

"I got the grades I'd been expecting, but even though I didn't manage what was required for my first choice I've still been accepted into Liverpool University to do business and German, which is a big relief. I won't need to go through clearing.

"As a job I'd maybe like to go into interpreting and would love something that would involve travelling."

Lindy Cheung, of Cross Hills, got an A* in A-level photography and Bs for A-levels in business and maths.

"Photography included coursework throughout the year, which made it more manageable than the exams," she said.

"I'm really pleased with what I got in maths because that was the most challenging subject in terms of content. I'd come out of the maths exams thinking I hadn't done too well.

"I was told I'd need two As and a B, but even though I didn't get that I've still been accepted at Birmingham University to do international business.

"I'm quite excited about the placements option on that course, as it gives me a chance to study abroad."

Rowan French, from Silsden, got As in maths and biology and a B in chemistry. He also picked up an A for a further maths AS level which he completed last year.

"I'm incredibly happy, as I thought I'd messed up," he said. "In each subject there was one exam which I feared had gone badly so I was worried that would drag my grades down.

"I was revising all day every day for about a month and a half until the exams, and I've had an unconditional offer to study chemical engineering at Nottingham University.

"It's a five-year course which incorporates a masters and a placement year in the middle. I'd like to work in the pharmaceutical industry."

Matthew Griffiths, also from Silsden, achieved an A* in A-level maths and As in geography and chemistry.

He said: "I'm really pleased. The teachers here have helped hugely, and I don't think I'd have been able to do anything like as well without their support.

"I did do an awful lot of work – probably too much!

"I was told I'd need two A*s and an A to get into Oxford University to study chemistry, so I was feeling anxious, but I've found out that I have got in so I'm happy.

"I'm going to Brasenose College, Oxford. Depending on how much I enjoy the course I might do further research, or get a job in the NHS."

Catherine Gregory, of Cononley, gained a trio of distinction stars in her level 3 BTECs in performing arts, acting and dance. She also achieved a B in A-level maths.

"I came out of some exams feeling I'd done really well, but there was the odd one I struggled with," she said.

"I'm off to the Institute of the Arts, in Barcelona, to do a degree in musical theatre. It's not an easy place to get into – you have to audition to be accepted – so I'm very pleased.

"I hope to go into performing in the West End, or on board cruise ships."

Martyn Hill, head teacher at South Craven School, offered his congratulations to all the year 13 students. He said they had achieved a "fantastic" set of results in both A-level and BTEC subjects.

He added: "We're delighted to report 55 per cent of students gained top grades (A*, A and B at A level or distinction* and distinction at BTEC), which is an increase on last year.

"There was also a significant increase in the number of students achieving an A* or distinction* compared to last year.

"Twenty students gained three As or better at A level and three distinction* at BTEC, or a mixture of the two.

"We'd like to congratulate these top performing students and all the others who worked so hard to achieve the grades they needed to progress to university, college or employment."

Director of sixth form, Andrea Taylor, said she was delighted with the results.

“They are a testament to the hard work of the students in this great year group," she said. "We wish them all well with their exciting future plans."

Mr Hill said: "As always, our students will be off to study a wide range of subjects at university.

"One has been successful in gaining a place at Brasenose College, Oxford to study chemistry, and another will study musical theatre at the Institute of the Arts in Barcelona.

"Other students have taken up apprenticeship opportunities, including two at Vodaphone UK and others at Airedale Hospital and local engineering firm Fives Landis.

"Other destinations include the RAF and Craven College, while some students will be taking a gap year before going on to further study in 2019.

"I'd like to extend thanks to parents and families who've provided so much support to our students and the school.

"And I'd like to thank all the staff at South Craven for their hard work in making these results possible."