A BUDDING doctor celebrated as she received top GCSE grades at Swindon Academy.

Karuna Upadhyay, from Pinehurst, ripped open her brown results envelope to reveal four A* and six A grades, which are among the best results in the town

“I feel really pleased, they are results I did not expect, I thought I might get a few As but not as many as I did," she said.

"I’m most proud of maths and geography because they were so hard.”

Karuna will now study A-levels in geography, biology, chemistry and maths at a grammar school in Reading.

“I want to go to uni and study medicine, it’s my dream,” she said.

Bethany Lamsdale, from Pewsey, battled against the odds and exceeded all expectations with one A*, one A, six Bs and two C grades.

“I’m actually really surprised that I’ve got an A in maths, I’m really happy with all my grades,” she said.

“It was difficult to separate my home life with my school life but I’ve had the support of all my teachers and I’m excited for what happens next.”

Bethany will now study at New College with the hopes of becoming a forensic pathologist.

Connor Newdick, from Gorse Hill, was delighted with his impressive GCSE results, as he scooped three distinction stars, two As, two Bs and four Cs.

“I’m just amazed, I didn’t think I would be standing here with these grades. I had worried about it. The A in English was a huge relief.”

Colin Clements, from Penhill, also scooped top marks with four A grades, six B grades and one C grade.

“I just feel elated about it. I thought I would do alright but this is amazing. I feel really good and really proud of myself,” he said.

Swindon Academy celebrated the school’s best yet GCSE results with 60 percent of students achieving five or more A*-C grades including English and maths.

This is a seven percent increase on last year’s results and 20 percent higher than in 2014.

Principal Ruth Robinson said the school couldn’t be happier with its record results.

“We’re working in three of the most deprived areas so we’re so delighted students have done so well," she said

“We are all thrilled with this year’s GCSE results; they are our best ever and surpass what had been a breakthrough year for us in 2015.

"I am very proud of the progress that we have been making across the academy and this is clearly reflected in our results at GCSE and A-level.

“Most of all, these results are testament to the hard work of our students and the dedication of our staff."