THERE were emotional scenes at St Peter’s school in Southbourne on (Thursday) as anxious students finally received their A-level results.

Two months of waiting had also taken their toll on parents who turned up to discover whether their children’s dreams were set to be dashed or come true.

On the instructions of their off-spring, some waited patiently in cars or paced the street. Others were there to offer pats on the back, hugs and grains of comfort when the doors opened.

For Mary Wickens it was third time lucky. Her delighted son Alastair achieved three As, matching results already obtained by his two brothers.

Mary said: “It’s the third time we’ve been here but it doesn’t get any easier. They’ve all got three grade As and hopefully the pattern will continue next year when we’ll be back here again for the fourth set of A-level results.”

Alastair’s results secured him a place at Nottingham to study mathematics.

Deputy headteacher Angie Wazejewski said: “This has been an exceptional year with the vast majority of students now able to access the universities of their choice.

“Inevitably there will be a very small minority who won’t have made the grade and we will support them through the clearing system.”

A total of 165 students took A-levels; more than half achieving grade As and grade Bs. The overall pass rate was 97 per cent with 14 thrilled students obtaining three or more grade As.

Top achievers included Hannah McKay who secured three grade As at A-level and three in different subjects at AS level.

She will be going to Oxford along with Bethany Cradick who obtained four As at A-level and one AS in another subject.

After opening her brown envelope, Hannah said: “I can’t believe it; it’s been such as long wait I almost convinced myself I wouldn’t do well.”