A-LEVEL RESULTS: A GROUP of three close friends at the Ridgeway School in Wroughton have all gained places on the same course after gaining top grades.

The three 18-year-olds all gained three A's in their A levels and are going to study medicine in Cardiff.

Yohinee Rajendran, of Eastleaze, said: "I'm amazed and just so happy that I got into Cardiff. We've been working so hard so now it's just such a release."

Laura Stacey, of Broome Manor, said: "I'm really overwhelmed because I wasn't expecting straight As. All the hard work has really paid off. Cardiff's a nice city. I think I'll be happy there."

Arla Gamper, of Chiseldon, has decided to take a year out but will be joining her friends in Wales next year.

She joked: "They can try it out first and then show me where the good bars are.

"I'm really elated and surprised. I never think about what grade I'll get. I just do my best."

Amy Marland, 18, from Wanborough, is head girl at the Ridgeway.

When she opened her results she also had 3 As. Next month she will head for Cardiff to study law and criminology.

She said: "I didn't think I'd get the grades at all because of all the stress and nerves I had, so I wasn't really prepared for this news but I am really happy for everyone."

Karl Reynolds, 18, of Wanborough, was delighted with his results, 2 As and a C.

He said: "I'm going to Cardiff to do physics, so I'm very happy but actually I was borderline on my A grades so I've been a bit lucky."

He tried to explain the mass exodus from Wroughton to Cardiff that is now certain to take place in September.

He said: "Cardiff has a good appeal because of the nightlife, and the university is in the very middle of the city. The courses are very good and it's not too far away from home."

Elizabeth Cooper, head teacher, said: "It's been a good year and I'm very proud of the students. Some of them have scored full marks in their A levels.

"The results reflect the school's reputation and the hard work from students, the commitment from their teachers and the support of parents.

"It's very good to see their success. Nobody should ever devalue how difficult it is to get a grade A. I certainly don't think that the A level has got easier."