Teenagers across East Lancashire were left nervously waiting to discover their fate as A-Level results were released, with grades based on exam results for the first time in two years.

With many having been accepted to their first-choice university, while others have been accepted on degree apprenticeships, many families will have been celebrating yesterday (August 18) after students opened their results.

Pupils from Blackburn College, St Wilfrid’s, Westholme and more are going on to the top two prestigious universities in the country, Oxford and Cambridge.

Hanna Khan has been accepted to study Biochemistry at the University of Oxford after achieving A*A*A in her A-Levels at St Wilfrid’s.

Morgan Grimshaw, 18, who studied at Blackburn College has been offered a place to study law at the University of Oxford at Pembroke College, after securing top grades in his A-Levels, gaining A* in History, A in Law and B in English Literature.

Aspiring conservationist Julia Gartold, 18, has accepted a place to study biology at the University of Oxford.

In her studies at Westholme Inspired Sixth Form in Blackburn, Julia achieved A* geography, A in biology, and A in chemistry – and dreams of sharing her passion for conservation with communities across the world.

Although many have been hugely successful in their results, others have not received the grades they were hoping for after it was announced that there had been a drop nationally in pupils receiving the top A-Level grades.

In light of this, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Director of Children’s, Young People and Education, Jayne Ivory has congratulated all students, providing support for those who may not have done as well as they hoped.

She said: “Many congratulations to all of Blackburn with Darwen’s hardworking students for their A-level and BTEC results.

“It may now feel as though it is business as usual but we are fully aware that in terms of education the last two years have been far from easy. I am extremely proud of all of our young people for continuing to work hard and face the challenges with a positive attitude.

“I wish you all best of luck with your next steps, whether you choose to continue into further education, apprenticeships or other training, or employment.”

While Lancashire County Council cabinet member for education and skills, Cllr Jayne Rear said: “I'd like to congratulate all our students for their hard work over the past two years, and thank the teaching staff who have supported them during these turbulent times.

"It is important to acknowledge that these young people are the first to sit formal exams since the start of the pandemic. They have shown tremendous resilience in the face of adversity, and should be incredibly proud of themselves, regardless of their A-level results.

"If you did not get the grades you wanted or expected, then please do not think all is lost. You do have options and there is help available.

"I wish our young people every success as they enter this next chapter in their lives, wherever that may be."

The New Directions Careers Service is available to offer support to year 13 students in Blackburn with Darwen.