IT’S first time lucky for Lydiard Park Academy as this year marks the release of the school’s first set of A-level results.

And it’s not a bad first attempt, as the results put the school firmly in the top half of schools and colleges nationally.

Rebekah Bissex, of Toothill, who gained A*, A and A grades in literature, history and fine art, will now complete a foundation art year at Swindon College before going on to study art at university.

Oliver Chamberlain, of Westlea, who achieved A*, A, A, B and A grades in maths, chemistry, physics, further maths and extended project, will head to the Queen Mary University in London in September to study material science.

Oliver Cook, of Freshbrook, managed to gain three 'A' grades from A-levels in biology, economics and geography and will now study geography at University College, London.

Principal Clive Zimmerman said "It's been a huge undertaking for the school to extend provision to sixth form level but it was something we felt was sorely needed if West Swindon pupils were to fulfil their potential.

“Getting such good results the first time round is both a huge relief and a testament to the hard work of everyone on the staff who has made this happen.

“Perhaps best of all is the knowledge that nearly three quarters of our sixth formers will now progress to university, which is a massive step forward for our pupils compared with what happened before we opened a sixth form."

Ryan Hawkins, of Grange Park, who gained A, B, B, B grades in literature, economics, psychology and extended project, is set to study literature at Reading University, and Bradley Upfold, of Westlea, who gained A, B, C and A* grades in economics, psychology, maths and extended project, now has a place to study business at Bournemouth University.

A massive 96% of entries resulted in a pass grade and 83% of students managed to gain 3 or more A*-E grades at A level.

LPA has also been able to offer some vocational level 3 courses, and the top performer on these was Prakash Soni, of Grange Park, who gained a starred Distinction in Cambridge Techicals ICT and a double distinction in BTec First in sport.

Prakash will now study football and business management at the University of Buckinghamshire and will be based at Wembley Stadium.