A FUTURE researcher said she was ‘ecstatic and overwhelmed’ as she achieved the highest A-level grades in New College history.

Natalia Arciuchiewicz, scooped an incredible five A* in maths, further maths, physics, chemistry and extended project putting her among the top achievers in the country.

Natalia is the first New College student to get five top grades since A* grades were introduced in 2010.

The brainy 18-year-old, who lives in Old Walcot, said she couldn’t believe her eyes when she opened the results envelope.

“It’s amazing, I can’t even begin to describe the feeling. I feel like I had been working at a consistently high standard all year but there were a few exams where I wasn’t sure. I’m still a little bit in shock if I’m honest.”

She will study maths and computer science at Imperial College, London.

Screams and laughter rang out as crowds of students nervously queued in the canteen ahead of the results being delivered.

Katie Gordon, from Woodhall Park gasped with shock when she opened her outstanding results of two A* and one A in psychology, biology and chemistry.

“It was a shock and I have been worried coming up to this but I’m so happy” she said.

“I even got full marks in one of my psychology exams which was a big surprise.”

Katie will study pharmacology at the University of Bath.

New College students had an overall pass rate of 98 per cent with 29 students achieving three A grades or more.

Olivia Gibbs from Old Town was one of them with an A* in biology and A grades in maths and chemistry. She will study medicine at University College London.

“I didn’t expect it at all,” she said, I’ve never been sure and had no idea. I always think I’ve done badly. I was awake since 6.30am.

“Whatever you put in, you get out and I’m so grateful to everyone at New College that helped me.”

Budding engineer Jack Janicki from Old Town said he was ‘delighted’ at his two As and one C in maths, electronics and biology.

“I’m really happy,” said the 19-year-old who will study aerospace engineering at Liverpool University.

“I had 14 exams to get through so it was really stressful. I’m so happy with how’s it’s turned out.”

Proving that age is nothing but a number, fellow student Liz Redver-Weston achieved an A grade in arts and design textiles, at the age of 61.

Principal Graham Taylor said he was ‘chuffed as punch’ to see so many students achieving outstanding grades.

“The results this year are absolutely phenomenal, I couldn’t be prouder of all of the students,” he said.

“We offer more than 100 subjects for them to study and they have worked so hard. We wish them the best of luck in their future careers.”