The best yet for A-level students

There were tears of happiness, and a few of disappointment, as students picked up their results from local schools and colleges.

More reports and results round-up

At Holy Cross, results with an overall pass rate of 99 per cent -- half at A or B grade -- were hailed as the best the college had ever achieved.

There was a call to principal Mike O'Hare's office for a magnificent seven students who were informed in person that they had each secured five grade As.

One was Siobhan Almond, of Trimmingham Drive, Brandlesholme. She said: "It was quite daunting to go into the office but very nice to hear the news. When he told me was shocked and surprised, but very happy."

Siobhan plans to study law at Manchester and hopes to eventually become a barrister.

Another was Daniel Hunt (18) of Riverside Road, Radcliffe, who plans to study philosophy and psychology at Durham. He might then go on to train as a doctor or lawyer.

He said: "It didn't sink in until I phoned my mum and she started screaming down the 'phone with happiness."

Also among the stars was budding space scientist Alex Calverley, of Ennerdale Drive, Unsworth, who described himself as "over the moon".

He said: "I'm just really happy and sat in stunned silence for a minute or two at first."

Alex is heading for Durham to take up a place reading physics with astronomy.

Heather Hamilton, of Manchester Road, Bury, gained four As and a C and will study law at Oxford.

She had little time for comments that examination standards had dropped. Heather said: "It really annoys me because I have worked so hard to achieve this."

Rabia Aftab (18) of East Street, Bury, gained 4 grade As and a B in general studies.

She plans to do medicine, but has yet to secure a place through clearing. Rabia said: "It took a while to realise what it all meant, but I was really happy when it all sunk in."

Paul Knowles (18), of Beeston Grove, Whitefield, gained As in media, law, English language and general studies and a B in history.

He said: "I was thrilled beyond belief and am still really happy. It's a dream come true."

Success story Paul, who wants to be a writer, will study creative writing at John Moores in Liverpool.

Mr O'Hare said: "I am absolutely delighted with these superb results, they are without doubt the best the college has achieved."

It was another year of celebrations at Bury Grammar where the girls' pass rate of 100 per cent surpassed last year's record of 99.6 per cent.

Nearly three-quarters of the passes were at A and B grade, with many extra certificates at A and AS Level.

Greater Manchester Young Citizen of the Year Victoria Grabowski, of Parkhills Road, Bury, was celebrating four A grades. She is now off to Oxford University to study medicine.

Victoria said: "I was so excited and overwhelmed that I nearly cried. My parents are very proud."

Another successful student was Natalie Woolley, of Sergeants Lane, Whitefield, who scored three As and will go on to Nottingham University to read economics.

She said: "I'm just really happy and relieved to have done so well because I really needed those grades for my course."

Head teacher Bobby Georghiou said: "We congratulate all our A Level students. They have to work very hard to gain their results.

"Between them they have achieved a very impressive list of university places and nowadays it is so competitive."

Over at the boys' school there was a 99.2 per cent pass rate with 62.5 per cent at grades A or B.

George Taylor, of Brandlesholme Road, Greenmount, achieved four grade As. He said: "I was absolutely made up, but held it back a bit until I knew how everyone else had done. I'm really pleased and my parents are delighted."

Eighteen-year-old Whitefield student Omar Ahmad, who will study medicine in London, said: "I didn't know what to expect, but once I saw it I was relieved and ecstatic."

James Lomax (18), of Stand Lane, Radcliffe, had secured five As and will read medicine in Oxford.

He will go on to read engineering science at Oxford.

There was also joy at Bury College where the pass rate just topped the 96 per cent national average pass rate at 96.1 per cent.

Principal Helen Gilchrist said: "This is an achievement of the distinctive sixth form ethos at Bury College where all students are challenged to achieve or exceed their target."

Leanne Ramsden, of Victoria Street, Radcliffe, gained four As, and is to read law at the University of Central Lancashire.

She said: "It's fantastic, I really wasn't expecting it at all."

Michelle Walker (20), of Maclaren Drive, Prestwich, plans to take up a media and journalism course at the University of Central Lancashire.

She said: "I was a bit surprised but then was just interested in what everyone else had got. It's wonderful."