A-Level results bring top grades and other success stories

The number of local students who obtained three A* or A grades at A-Level more than doubled this year, as the overall pass rate remained stable at 96%.

The Department of Education said a total of 15 students – seven girls, eight boys – achieved top grades to qualify as Gibraltar Scholars, compared to six last year.

The overall local pass rate – meaning A* to E grades - just missed the UK rate of 98%, despite the added pressure students faced from changes in curriculum.

And the success stories transcended mere grades.

One Iranian student at Westside faced more pressure than most – learning English while studying for her A Levels but still managing to secure the grades she needed for university.

Scenes at Bayside, Westside and College were much calmer than other years, however.

By the time they went to collect their results, many students had already received a notification from universities on whether they had been granted entry.

This meant the sense of urgency to run and grab A-Level results to gauge their chances of a spot in their top choice was lost.

Most students sauntered in knowing that, whatever their grades, they were ready to continue their education next month.