STUDENTS in Wroughton celebrated record A-level results after exams which some found so tough they cried after taking them.

Ridgeway School and Sixth Form hailed the high marks of more than half its Year 13s, 54 per cent, who achieved A* to B - nine per cent more than last year.

Toby Ellis received less than his predicted grades of three As but was happy to get two As in Biology and Maths and a B in Chemsitry.

He said: "After the exams, I thought these grades would be a lot lower. I turned around at the end of the exams and saw people crying, they were far less happy coming out than they were going in.

"Sometimes you can learn as much as you can and recite some processes word for word but then they don't come up and something obscure does that nobody predicted.

"I expected the worst but I'm really happy with the results I got, everyone's happy today, which is great.

"It's been really nice studying at Ridgeway. There's a lot more care and attentiveness towards the students and you grow up with the same teachers so they know how to help."

He'll head off to Birmingham University to study Biology in September.

Within the 97 per cent of students who passed, almost a third, 30 per cent, achieved A* and A grades which is up by eight per cent from last year.

Esme Holding from Elcombe was shocked when she received A*s in biology, chemistry and an extended project qualification as well as an A in Maths.

She said: "I was so nervous, I thought I waould get a B in maths and chemistry but never expected any As or A*s.

"My hands were shaking when I opened the envelope, I was really worried, but everything when much better than I thought.

"The teachers here were fantastic and helped me with everything I needed."

Esme will go on to study biology at Liverpool University.

Principal James Poavas said: "We're delighted to have record numbers of students achieiving higher grade passes. Our students can look forward to fantastic futures, whether at university, in employment, in apprenticeships or in training.

"I want to congratulate them all. As ever, I want to thank our wonderful staff who have been instrumental in helping our sixth formers achieve these excellent results.

"I would also like to recognise the parents for their support in achieiving these results as R6 is all about working in partnership."

Mia Dickinson from Bishopstone said: "I was shocked when I got two As and two A*s, I was nervous before coming in, it was almost worse than the exams which were hard work but I'm so relieved."

Mia will go to Birmingham University to study Philosophy.

Assistant principal head of sixth form Helen Dixon said: "Today is one of the best parts of the job. It's great to see so many smiling faces on our students who have achieved the grades they needed for their university, apprenticeships, or future employment."

More coverage of Ridgeway's successful students will be in Friday's Swindon Advertiser.