Ref. 71831-7A-LEVEL RESULTS: ALMOST 400 students from the Swindon area go to Cirencester College, and about 200 of them were opening their results yesterday.

Stephanie Mears, 18, of Stratton, used to go to Kingsdown School. Yesterday she gained four A grades in her A levels. She said: "It's like all the hard work has paid off. I've got into Leeds to do psychology, which is my first choice. I'd been so worried this morning I didn't eat any breakfast."

Caroline Bristow, 18, of Covingham, also went to Kingsdown School. Her results, three grade A's and a B, together with an A grade at AS level, mean that she is going to Trinity College, Oxford to study ancient and modern history.

She said: "I'm extremely excited. I've wanted to go to Oxford for years.

"I'm really looking forward to it as it will be such a different experience. I had to get three A's to get in, so I had been worried about the results."

Cirencester College achieved a pass rate of 99 per cent, an improvement of three per cent from last year. 70 per cent of the passes were at A to C grades.

Nigel Robbins, principal, said: "The results this year are nothing short of spectacular. We are very proud of our students."