MANY students in the Spalding area were celebrating after receiving their A-level results.

Students from Spalding High School and Spalding Grammar School were overwhelmed with their grades.

Nationally the A-level pass rate has gone up for the 25th consecutive year with one in four results now an A grade.

There were many high achievers from Spalding High School with a total of 428 students sitting exams and out of those only two failed. A total of 65 per cent of students at the school achieved As and Bs – 40 per cent of all grades received were As and 25.7 per cent were Bs.

Spalding High School's headmaster Tim Clark said this result was the highest the school had ever achieved.

"These fantastic results are a testament to the hard work from both students and staff at the school."

The school had many high achievers including Sarah Clements and Tara Johnston who both came in the top five nationally in food technology. Katherine Barnett was in the top five nationally in history out of 9,000 other students. Three students got into Oxbridge University.

Eighteen–year–old Rachael Fisher was really happy with her results which has helped her get into Derby University to study adventure sports. She achieved a B in English and psychology and a C in general studies.

Rachael said: "I am just so, so happy with my results. I just didn't think I would get the grades I have."

Another high flyer was Janina Harris who received As in English, History, religious education and general studies.

The eighteen–year–old will start her new life in York studying philosophy.

She told the Target: "We have all worked really hard. We should get the accolade we deserve as these exams are not that easy."

Former head boy Tony Jack will be heading off to Sheffield Hallam University to study events management after gaining C grades in ICT and drama and a D in art.

He said: "I am pleased with my grades and I am so excited about going to university. I would like to thank the school for giving me this opportunity."

Vicky Kitchen was also celebrating after gaining a C in English Literature and Bs in geography and psychology.

"I am really happy with my results but feel I could have done better in English. I am now looking forward to studying primary education at BGC University in Lincoln.

"People seem to be saying the exams are easier but I don't think they were. Everyone has worked really hard to achieve what they have."

Spalding Grammar School students and staff were also celebrating a "pleasing set of results".

Headteacher Nigel Ryan said: "Congratulations to all our Sixth Form students on their well deserved A-level success. It is especially pleasing to see so many who were new to the school at the start of their A-level courses doing so well. We wish all of our students the very best for the future."

Head boy Paul Hillar was celebrating after achieving As in maths, English and economics. He will go on to study maths at Sheffield University.

Paul told the Target: "I just can't believe it, it just goes to prove what can be achieved even if you don't study. I really was not expecting to get results this good. I did not study and thought I had completely ruined it. There is hope for everyone."

Last year's deputy flower queen Joanna Coaton planned to spend the day having fun with her friends after gaining B grades in physiology and general studies and D grades in ethics, philosophy and history. She will study at Nottingham Trent University to become a charted surveyor.

"I am happy with my grades, they have got me into university. I wish everyone luck including those who receive their GCSE results today."

Another top achiever was Marc Flannery (18) with As in maths, further maths and business studies. He will start his new adventure at Sheffield University studying maths.

He said: "I did not think I was going to get the grades I needed to get into university but I did and I am so happy."

Mikaela Ashwell was also one of the grammar school's high achievers. She received As in biology, physics and chemistry and plans to take a year out before going to university.

She said: "It is absolutely fantastic. I plan to go to vet school in London or Bristol next year."