KNUTSFORD Academy is celebrating its best A level results in 10 years, with many of its students gaining places at top universities.

Teenagers arrived at the school bright and early to find out whether their hard work had paid off as they collected their envelopes.

The school grounds were full of smiling faces as more and more students discovered that they had earned a spot at their first choice university.

James Whittaker, head of the college, said: “They are the best results we have had in the last 10 years. I am so proud of the achievements of the kids and we have very hard working staff.

“Many of our students will now start places at top universities thanks to their hard work over the last two years.

“There’s a real pleasing number of A* and A grades in amongst those results.”

Among the top performers were students Hannah Brierley, who achieved A* AAB in her a levels, and Jack Harmsworth with A*A*A.

“I didn’t expect to get what I got,” said Hannah. “The day before you always expect the worst.

“I am going to the University of Birmingham to study English. I already got an unconditional offer based on my predicted results.

“I think quite a lot of people thought that I wouldn’t work as hard so I’m happy that I have proved them wrong.

“I might go into journalism or drama afterwards. I just want to try lots of new things.

“I have enjoyed my seven years here at the school.  I must mention my dance teacher, Mrs Scott. She’s got a lot of people into dance and she’s great and so enthusiastic.”

Jack, who has worked hard to earn a place studying philosophy, politics and economics, will now study at his dream university, York.

He said: “I am feeling really good about my results. I’m so excited that I got in. I think in the future I might like to go into journalism or politics.

“I have really enjoyed my time at the Academy and had some great help and support from the teachers.”

Among the university places grabbed by Knutsford Academy students were Leeds, Birmingham and Imperial College London.

18-year-old Luke Savin will start a degree in material science and engineering in September after his impressive A*AAAA  results.

“I’m feeling pretty good today,” he said. “I can’t complain at all. I didn’t think I would get what I got in each subject. I think physics went a lot better than I thought it did and I am very happy with the result.

“I am definitely going to celebrate as soon as the pub opens.  I cannot wait for university. It’s going to be so much fun, especially going down to London. Some people don’t love being around the city but I think it’s incredible.

“I have no plans for career as of yet, but a lot of doors have opened now.”

And it wasn’t just the science and maths students celebrating. Knutsford Academy students have excelled in getting places at prestigious performing arts institutions.

Kathryn Crosby, who has earned a place at the world renowned Mountview Academy, talked about her excitement at moving on to her dream university.

“I am absolutely ecstatic to have got a place,” she said. “There were 15,000 people auditioning for 32 places. Out of those there were only 16 places for girls.

“It is a dream come true. It’s what I have wanted to do my whole life.”

Whilst dance student Jacob Roberts also celebrated achieving a place at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance after an impressive audition and A level results.

“I want to choerograph,” he said, “And maybe even own my own company. I have trained so hard to get where I am.”

The staff who attended A level results day were just as content as the students with the news of the highest results in years.

Chris Parr- Director of Sixth Form: “I think we are very very pleased with the results. It s a real tribute to the efforts of the students throughout the year.

“They look to be the best in the last 10 years.  We are very proud. We can say to our year 11s that our sixth form delivers great academic results.”