A-LEVEL results brought mixed fortunes across the Fylde Coast. And, although many were celebrating, some students were disappointed with their grades.

Despite a 95 per cent pass rate for English, more than 150 English and history students at Blackpool Sixth Form College found they had not got predicted grades.

Blackpool Sixth Form College principal Jeff Holland said: "The staff are concerned because they are absolutely adamant that the students haven't got the grades they really merit."

He said the board -- the Assessment and Qualification Alliance (AQA)-- had agreed to re-mark a sample of the papers, which could lead to all the papers being re-marked.

"The trouble is the time-scale because university clearing is going on and students who are unsure about their grades are worried as to whether they are missing places, although a couple of universities have agreed to hold places for the time being," he said.

A quartet of sixth formers from independent King Edward VII and Queen Mary School at Lytham were popping champagne corks after winning places at Oxford University.

Mathematician James Green, of Willows Avenue, Ansdell, gained five A-levels and a place at St Hugh's College this October.

Jonathan Vernazza, of Walesby Place, Ansdell, will study biochemistry at St Annes College. He will be joined by modern linguist Krystyna McGrath, of Watson Road, Blackpool, while classmate Chris Brierley, a former pupil of St Thomas's School, St Annes, will read chemistry at New College. School principal Julian Wilde said winning a place at Oxford was "a great achievement".

"As well as achieving the highest standard in their academic work James, Chris, Jonathan and Krystyna have contributed to the life of the school superbly, especially in music and drama. I am very pleased for them and their families," he said.

And blind Blackpool student 18-year-old Rachel Neiman, of Warbreck Hill Road, was also celebrating after achieving grade C in AS level history, grade A in AS level French, and grade D in Latin A-level.

She said: "I am very pleased. I was very nervous when I had done the exams!"

Rachel studies at the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) New College in Worcester. "It's a good school. Generally there is a very high academic standard," she said.

She plans to take full A-levels in history and French, and an AS level in English.

Her college principal Nick Ratcliffe said: "Our students may lack sight, but they certainly don't lack vision. They have a clear idea of what they want to achieve and the commitment and hard work needed to fulfil their ambitions.