Wait is over as students from Lowestoft and St Felix collect A-level results

Lowestoft Sixth Form College students have picked up their A-level results. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

80pc of students achieved A* to C grades – a 6pc rise on 2016 – whilst the college saw a 100pc pass rate for A* to E grades.

This is the first time students have had to take all of their exams at the end of sixth form, as opposed to the previous structure where exams were staggered across two years.

Principal Yolanda Botham emphasised her delight at students conquering the supposedly tougher system.

'I'm very proud of students and staff, who have worked incredibly hard over the last two years to get ready for these demanding A-level exams,' she said.

Picking up their results was the culmination of two years of hard work. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

'We truly believe that local Lowestoft students can excel and here's the evidence.

'The most academically able students have done brilliantly well and, in equal measure, those who need more nurturing have been supported throughout their time here.'

There was a multitude of outstanding individual performances at the college, including that of 18-year-old Rhys Furlow, who achieved A* grades in maths, physics and biology.

'It's been tough but I'm so happy with my grades, especially as I thought I'd done really badly in some of my exams,' said Rhys, who is from Lowestoft.

Ryan Hawkins and Richard Hindes will both be going to University of Sheffield. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

'I'm going to study computer science at Warwick University, which is something I've wanted to do for a while.'

Meanwhile, the headmaster at St Felix School in Reydon commended students for their A-level achievements.

77pc of students had their efforts rewarded with A* to C grades and 99pc achieved A* to E.

In addition, over one third of pupils came away with A* to A grades.

For students it was the end of a long and agonsing wait for their results. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

'This is another excellent set of results for my pupils,' said headmaster James Harrison.

'It's pleasing to see success from boys and girls, local and international pupils across the subjects. The vast majority obtained places at Russell Group Universities and Cambridge University.

'Saint Felix pupils are a unique breed and these universities will be lucky to have them.'

One of the most notable stories was that of Rosy Sida, who will read classics at King's College Cambridge having achieved two A* grades and an A.

Students gathered from 8.30am at the college. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

BTEC joy

Hundreds of A-level results envelopes have finally been opened, putting an end to an agonising wait for Lowestoft Sixth Form College students.

But it was also time for BTEC students at the college to discover whether their hard work had been rewarded.

It was all smiles for Chris Williamson, who achieved a triple-distinction in his BTEC Level 3 ICT course having left school without any qualifications.

Bethany Dewhirst achieved an A in Maths and Biology, as well as a B in Chemistry. Picture: Thomas Chapman (Image: Archant)

'I came out of high school with no GCSEs, so to come to sixth form I had to do a pathway course to prove that I could handle college,' said Chris.

'After the course I went on to do the ICT course and I'm really chuffed with my grades.

'The thought of adult life is quite scary, but it's exciting at the same time.'

Chris harbours hopes of a career in social work and his results have earned him a place on the Youth Studies course at Nottingham Trent University.

Euan Pitchers is going on to study Chemistry at the University of Nottingham. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

University spot

There was delight for one student who saw significant improvements in her performance during her time at the college.

Eighteen-year-old Bethany Dewhirst, from Lowestoft, got off to a slow start when she began studying maths at Lowestoft Sixth Form College.

But two years and plenty of hard work down the line, Bethany has pulled out all the stops to achieve impressive results and secure a place at the University of East Anglia in Norwich.

Lowestoft Sixth Form College students have picked up their A-level results. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

'At the start of my first year I was getting a U grade in maths and now I've finished sixth form with an A,' said Bethany.

'I was so nervous before picking up my results but I'm really happy to have come out with two grades and a B, which is much better than I was expecting.

'I've really enjoyed my time at the college and got on so well with all my teachers; they were all really supportive.'

Rosy Sida with headmaster James Harrison. Picture: Courtesy of St Felix School (Image: Archant)

Chris Williamson achieved a triple-distinction in his Level 3 BTEC course. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)

Bethany Dewhirst achieved an A in Maths and Biology, as well as a B in Chemistry. Picture: Courtesy of Lowestoft Sixth Form College (Image: Archant)