HUNDREDS of Sir John Deane’s College students had plenty to celebrate today when they opened their A Level results.

More than 600 upper sixth students received their results at the campus, in Monarch Drive, Northwich, at 9am this morning.

SJD Principal Kerry Kirkwood said: “One of the privileges of working with young people is that you can share in moments of joy and exhilaration – and we have lived that today.

“The atmosphere around college has been fantastic and we are also delighted that so many parents joined us to share in excitement.

"There is a real sense of strength in the college community – whether students, parents, carers, governors, staff or teachers.

“We are particularly proud that so many of our students have received the grades they need to progress to their first choice university and I would like to congratulate everyone for their hard work, commitment and achievements today.”

SJD, which is Cheshire West’s Sixth Form College and is attended by hundreds of students from across the county and beyond, has delivered outstanding results for many years.

It is nationally-recognised as a Beacon college and is a member of the prestigious Maple Group of top-achieving colleges – this year achieving a 98% pass rate.

This year some 30 subjects obtained a 100% pass rate – and 27% of results were at A or A star, against the national rate of 26.3%.

The vast majority of this summer’s leavers will now be going on to universities across the country, with others going straight into employment or ‘taking a year out’ before progressing into higher education.

Tom Lamb, 18, from Cuddington is heading to the University of Nottingham to study physiotherapy after achieving an A in PE and B grades in physics and applied science in his A Levels at Sir John Deane’s College, Northwich.

Tom, who went to Weaverham High School, is blind in his left eye and plays football for the England Partially Sighted Squad.

He has received extra support from SJD, for example he has needed more time to read papers in exams. Alongside his studies he also helped the England Partially Sighted Squad to win bronze in the World Championships in Japan earlier this year.

He said: “I have had a lot of support here at SJD to help me through and achieve these results. I always wanted to come to SJD and never considered studying anywhere else.”

Former Rudheath High School student Tom Hewson was one of Sir John Deane’s College’s top performers, achieving straight A*s in biology, chemistry, maths and psychology.

Tom, 18, who lives in Northwich, said: “I’m really pleased with my results and relieved at the same time. I’ve had a great time at Sir John Deane’s and have been really pleased with all the support I have received from my tutors.”

Tom now plans to continue his studies at the University of Nottingham.