HAPPY pupils were gathered at Nova Hreod School, off Akers Way, in Moredon.

Hayley Michalek, 16, from Rodbourne was delighted with her grades.

She passed her six GCSEs gaining Bs and Cs and said: "I think my B grade in maths would have to be the highlight out of all of them.

"I'm also pleased with a C in my English subjects.

"I will now go to New College and study business."

Her friend Amy Roberts, also from Rodbourne, will take a travel and tourism course at New College next month.

"Food technology and child development were good subjects for me as I got Bs.

"I'm really looking forward to starting college."

Tyrone Day from Greenmeadow and Tariel Copeland from Pinehurst were pleased by their results.

"My three Cs in science were a good result. I had to take 18 modules so it was good to pass them well," said Tyrone who will now study law at New College to later become a barrister.

Sixteen-year-old friend Tariel said: "I got Cs and Ds so I'm happy overall.

"A three-module business course is the next plan."

Kathy Chilton, 16, from Blunsdon, said: "I got Bs and Cs so I'm pleased.

"I put a lot of hard work in so it's good to see positive results."

Friend Carla Ashley said: "I'm really pleased with my Bs in English.

"It took me five minutes to open the results but I'm very happy overall."

Deputy head Fergus Stewart said: "We are proud of the many achievements of our students of all abilities.

"We are encouraged by the improving performance in a range of subjects, including mathematics.

"The number of students achieving at least one good grade has shown an increase on last year.

"The successes reflect the hard work by students and teachers and are a firm basis for continuing success in our new college.

"We are particularly pleased with high grades in food technology."