BOLTON School pupils are set to begin high-flying careers in occupations ranging from fashion design to law, following another impressive set of A-Level results.

The first of the local results

In the Boys' Division of the independent school in Chorley New Road, the overall percentage of A and B grades rose by nine percent.

Out of a year group of 139 candidates, the boys gained 538 passes, 17 of them achieving four or more A grades.

In the Girl' Division, there was a 100 per cent pass rate, 55 per cent at grade A and 80 per cent at grades A and B.

And after the results, student Adriana Guarino is set to follow in the footsteps of Stella McCartney or Donatella Versace, as her four grade As will open the doors to a place at Leeds University to study fashion design. The 18-year-old gained the top grades in maths, Spanish, textiles and general studies.

Reacting to national claims that the exams have got easier, Adriana said: "I have never taken A-levels before so I cannot compare. I still found it very hard to get a good grade. I think more people just realise that they have to do well."

Asimah Hanis, aged 18, of Lostock, gained A grades in biology, chemistry, English literature, history and general studies. She is now set to study medicine at the Imperial College, London.

She said: "I have two brothers who are doctors so I have been able to get an insight into medicine."

After achieving As in history, English language, religion and philosophy and general studies, Kirstin Black is going to Cambridge University to study law. She is undecided whether she wants to be a barrister or a solicitor.

Kirstin of Westhoughton said: "I am the first person in my family to go to University." She intends to do work at Bolton law firm Keoghs over the summer to gain experience.

Kelly Chatten, aged 18, is celebrating gaining As in biology, chemistry, maths and general studies. She now intends to study medicine at Newcastle. "I've already done lots of work experience at hospitals and at GPs and I really loved it."

Headmistress Jane Panton said: "There are lots of smiling faces in the school today."