STUDENTS at Bicester Community College ended months of agonising wait as they opened their A-level results.

Students and their parents gathered nervously at the colleges in Queen's Avenue to find out whether they had made the grade, with many having plenty to smile about.

All of the 57 teenagers achieved at least one pass and 96 per cent two or more subjects.

Two students achieving outstanding results were Helena Mills and Laura Wilson.

Helena, of Bucknell Road, Bicester, gained A grades in English, history and maths and an AS result in geography.

The 18-year-old said she was looking forward to reading history at University College Oxford.

She said: "I was completely scared and did not know what to expect. I was predicted the grades I achieved and I felt relieved that all my hard work had paid off.

"I am looking forward to reading history at Oxford as it is a subject that fascinates me."

Head of history Jordanna Riches said: "Helena is one of the best historians I have taught. She deserves this success and I am sure she will love the course at Oxford."

Laura, of King's Meadow, Bicester, had mentally prepared herself to achieve three A grades and a B.

The 18-year-old, who got As in English, media studies, religious studies and a B in design and technology, said she could not wait to go to Oxford's Keble College to study English literature.

She said: "I was shaking before I even opened the envelope. Because I had prepared myself mentally it was brilliant to find how well I had done.

"I am looking forward to studying at Oxford. I am thinking that my future career is teaching."

Father Keith added: "I am very pleased and delighted for Laura."

A total of 98 per cent of pupils at the college scored A to E grades, with 47 per cent achieving A to Cs.

Mark Wright did better than he expected and achieved A, B, C grades.

The 18-year-old, of Isis Avenue, had been expected to get B, C, C. He gained an A in PE, B in law and C in psychology.

He said: "I am ecstatic. This morning I had my doubts. I will be going to Reading University to study law.

"This was the hardest subject and I was predicted a low C grade last year and I managed to bring this up to a B. I worked really hard."

Matthew Gardener, 18, of Orchard Way, was pleased to gain a B grade in Art and a C in PE.

He said: "I have a job as a civil engineer in Thame and will be going to Coventry university one day a week.

"I started studying four subjects, but dropped to two as I wanted to concentrate on them."

Headteacher Cynthia Bartlett said: "The college staff and governors are proud of our sixth formers who have achieved some very good results enabling universities and colleges to confirm offers of places on courses they have chosen.

"It is nice to see so many happy faces and very delighted parents."

Other successful students included Charlotte Philip, 18, of Orchard way, who gained an A in Geography, B in psychology and C in English. Charlotte will be studying psychology at Bournemouth University.

Stephanie Latham, 18, of Derwent Road, was delighted with As in Geography and Religious Studies, and a B in English.

Stephanie said she was looking forward to studying planning and property development at Nottingham Trent University.

Head of sixth form Richard Holme said: "Many students have worked hard to gain their grades. Their success is well deserved."