HARD work paid off for students at Marling School with 83 per cent scoring A* to C grades in their A-levels, ensuring an overall pass rate of more than 99 per cent.

Nearly a third of pupils gained A* to A grades, despite the number of students gaining top marks nationally falling to 26 per cent.

There was jubilation for 18-year-old Harry Bush, from Nailsworth, who has secured a place at Oxford University to study chemistry after gaining an incredible four A*s in mathematics, further mathematics, chemistry and biology.

"It was a lot of pressure and it has been a stressful experience waiting for the results," he said.

"I had a pact with my friend to wait to open the results here and not look online but I couldn’t resist."

Friends James Gosling and Sam Coldrick can look forward to more studying together after they both gained a place at Imperial College London.

For 17-year-old Sam, from Stroud, his impressive three A*s in mathematics, physics and music were enough to earn him a place at the prestigious university to study physics.

"I didn’t think I would do this well so I am very happy," he said.

"Apparently I am the first person ever to get an A* in music at Marling.

"I am apprehensive about university as I don’t feel old enough yet."

James, 18, from Stroud, will study mathematics after receiving two A*s in mathematics and further mathematics and As in physics and music.

"We are good mates so it is nice we are going off together. It will be fun," he said.

Adam Standford’s A* in English and As in history and politics secured him a place at the University of Bristol to study politics.

The 18-year-old, from Stroud, said: "I’m struggling to take it all in.

"This place has been my life for such a long time and now it is done.

"Being at Marling has prepared me to do all the things I want to do in the future.

"I can’t wait to go out and do the school proud."

Headteacher Dr Stuart Wilson said: "This is a terrific set of results and I am delighted for our sixth form students and for the staff who have worked so hard to support them."