Their stories: Colchester students share their A-level success

She achieved two A*s in history and classics and A's in general studies, economics and english literature at the County High School for Girls.

Sophie, 18, of Colchester, said: “I worked really hard, definitely the hardest I have worked.”

• TAPAN Parikh is off to study medicine at University College London after his results.

He was awarded four A* grades, an A and a B.

Tapan 18, of Colchester Royal Grammar School, said: “Relieved is the main reaction. Two years of hard work has finally paid off.”

Tapan squeezed in badminton between studies too.

• CONNOR Cheverall, 18, from Witham, bagged five A* grades from Colchester Royal Grammar School.

He will now go on to study natural sciences at Cambridge.

He said: “I was quite happy really, very relieved there is a lot of pressure off me.”

Connor studied maths and science subjects.

MAXIMILLIAN Michaelides achieved the impossible by transforming his grades from E’s and U’s to getting two A’s and an A* (above).

The Colchester Sixth Form College student, 18, is now going to study Mathematics at Queen Mary University of London.

After getting the bad news at the end of his first year, Max was disappointed for his family.

But, he made a decision to make a success of himself, which led to an A* in Maths and two A’s in Economics and Business.

He said: “Results day was dire for me last year, but I didn’t try my hardest.

“I wanted to give it 100 per cent for the remaining year so I could at least say I did my best.

“I’d got into the rhythm of studying every day and learnt to enjoy my subjects more than hate them. It was a massive year-long slog.”

Sharing in his joy, Max celebrated his success with mum Michelle and sister Lauren.

His ambition is a career within the finance sector after possibly studying a master’s degree.

He added: “Back in September, I didn’t know what I wanted, but I just knew I wanted to do well.

“As I progressed throughout the year, my confidence grew and during exam season I felt good.

“I’d given up my part-time job at Christmas, which took a lot of pressure away, and just felt I needed to make up for my error.”

• ROB Burnett, 18, was looking forward to going to the pub after he collected his results.

He achieved four A's and a B and has earned a place at Sheffield to study history.

Rob, 18, of Colchester Royal Grammar School and from Great Totham, said: “I am feeling pretty good, pretty happy.”

• AVA Meyer leapt into her friend’s arms when she realised her A-level grades were higher than expected.

The 18-year-old, from Colchester, was elated with two A’s in politics and sociology, and a B, in english.

She said: “I’m so happy, I’m lost for words.

“I went from an E grade at AS level so I’m feeling pretty proud of myself.

“I then had to combine my first year and second year modules, which was tough at the time, but I can’t believe it now.”

Ava will go through the UCAS adjustment process to explore her university options, but already has an offer to study politics and sociology at Brunel University.

RACHEL Perkins had never considered attending Cambridge University but will now be the first person in her family to do so (above right).

Her results - three A* grades and an A in english literature, geography, world development and history – means she is on a fast track to Murray Edwards College, a prestigious female-only institution.

She plans to study a degree in Geography.

The Braintree teenager, 18, said: “I was pretty nervous. I had to work the day before and was thinking about it all throughout my shift.

“My friends, family and my boyfriend had always been behind me, but also one of my teachers Amanda Ford and Steve Barnes, my Oxbridge advisor, had gone above and beyond to help me get a place.

“I’d never thought about Cambridge until Amanda brought it up with me, but it would always have been to do Geography.

“My parents are over the moon especially with English Literature because it wasn’t my strongest subject, but I’m equally as happy.”

Rachel is now flying the flag for her younger brother Adam, 14, who will begin his GCSEs in September.

She added: “He wants to get into geography and languages so I told him if he needs a hand, I’m there.

“It’s good we get on pretty well, but there’s always been a bit of competition between us. However, it’s friendly competition.”

The Perkins family will celebrate with champagne saved from Rachel’s birthday, in June, for a special occasion.

• TENDRING Technology College’s Jessica Gray, 18, of Thorpe, gained a A* in psychology, and B's in sociology and religious studies.

Jessica wants to study psychology at Essex University, having found it a friendly place on her visits.

She said: “I’m over the moon. I want to work with children with special needs because I have dyslexia.”

• TENDRING Technology College’s Nathan Cinnamond, 18, of Walton, got an A* in maths and A's in chemistry, physics and further maths.

He is going to Durham University to study astrophysics.

He said: Maybe I’ll work for NASA.”

He thanked teachers for their support.

• TENDRING Technology College’s Emilie Phillips, of Frinton, gained three B's, in art, philosophy and English literature.

Emilie is going to study philosophy, politics and economics at the University of East Anglia.

She wants to become an MP, though she has no political affiliations.

She said: “I love all the different issues and opinions.”

• TRIPLE A grade student Charlotte Levine will become a Netherlands resident when she leaves this weekend for university.

Charlotte, 18, from Clacton, secured a place on a three-year degree programme at the University College Roosevelt.

She leaves on Saturday with her three A grades and a B.

Alongside her mum, she said they were both shaking in the car to Colchester Sixth Form College.

She said: “We were extremely nervous, but my dad said I’d be fine.

“I’m honestly not sure how I’m feeling apart from happy I got what I needed so I can actually go.

“It’s a Liberal Arts and Science programme and similar to colleges in America where you do lots of different courses, all in social sciences and humanities, then you major in one at the end of the first year.

“These kinds of courses are for people who are unsure of what they want to do at this stage so you learn lots of different academic disciplines.”

• FUTURE medical student Max French is still unsure of how to process his success.

Max, 18, achieved three A’s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, as well as an A* for his Extended Project Qualification (EPQ).

His stellar results landed him a place studying Medicine at King’s College London, which he described as a “strange turn of events”.

The Colchester Sixth Form College student said: “I was initially getting all rejection letters, which knocked my confidence, but I was glad I could bounce back and get the results.

“I’m quite overwhelmed and not sure how to process my emotions. The competition is so hard for a medical degree, it’s like the end of a long road before the start of another.”

Max will move from Ipswich to London later this month.