Cheers and tears in common room

THERE were cheers and tears as pupils at Wellsway School in Keynsham celebrated their A-level successes.

The sixth form common room, at the school in Chandag Road, was full of students anxiously ripping open their brown envelopes and staff said most students had been accepted into their first choice university course.

Head teacher Andrea Arlidge said: “We’re absolutely delighted with the results. The achievement of this year group is very high and reflects a lot of hard work from staff, students, with of course, the support of parents.”

Head of sixth form Max Harvey added: “We’re extremely pleased with the achievements of our students. More than 10 per cent of our students achieved all A grades and it was a similar story for Year 12 pupils as well.”

Ellie Norris, 18, from Saltford, and Jess Tilley, 18, from Oldland Common, were among those celebrating.

Ellie swept the boards with A*s in biology, chemistry and maths. She said: “I was really overwhelmed. I was predicted all As so it was very surprising. I want to study medicine and only had one offer so it was very nerve-wracking. Thankfully I’ll be going to Leicester in September.”

Jess said she was hoping to change her university place after her results were better than she expected.

Chew Valley School said nearly 50 per cent of its exam passes were at A* to B/

Assistant head teacher Andy Arbuckle said: “We’ve been very relieved to see such good results in what would otherwise be a very difficult year for university entrance.”

At Writhlington School, 43 per cent of all grades achieved were at grade A and A*.