A BUDDING scientist jumped for joy yesterday after scooping the highest GCSE grades in his year.

Swindon Academy student David Williams, from Moredon, leapt into the air after he achieved an impressive seven A* grades and one A grade, enabling him to get one step closer to his dream of becoming a rocket scientist.

“I wasn’t really nervous about the results but you do get nervous when you walk in here and realise what’s going to happen and it’s going to affect your whole future,” he said.

“I’ve already celebrated at the Silverstone Classic show with my favourite show band Status Quo but I’ll do something after this too.”

David, who has aspirations of studying at a prestigious university, said he was looking forward to the journey ahead as he goes into sixth form at the academy.

“I’m really happy about getting the A in Design Technology. This is the beginning of the next chapter so I really can’t wait to get started,” he said.

Fellow star pupil Jaspreet Sidhu, from Gorse Hill, was in shock when she ripped open her results to reveal four A grades.

“I didn’t expect it at all and I’m really, really happy that I’ve done,” she said.

“You do spend the whole summer worrying that you won’t get what you want. It was so surprising.

“Now I know I’m going to New College to study maths I couldn’t be happier.”

Twin success stories Aaron and Bradley Marvall proved they were identical in every way with matching passes in all their exams.

The twins said they had supported each other throughout the revision process.

Bradley said: “I’m pretty happy to have passed everything, I’m feeling pretty confident about myself now, we know we are going to go on to better things and we’ve always been there for each other throughout our exams.”

Aaron, who planned to buy a new jacket to celebrate, will study for an apprenticeship in plumbing as Bradley heads off to college next month.

Shrieks, tears and laughter were the sounds of the day as students across the town celebrated landmark GCSE success.

The celebrations continued in Moredon as students ripped open their results at Nova Hreod Academy.

Josh Iles and Kristian Brightman, both of Haydon Wick discovered they shared more than just a friendship when they both scooped multiple A* grades, landing in the top eight of their GCSE year.

Kristian said he was over the moon to gain his seven A* and A grades.

“I’m so happy to have received these results , it’s such a relief to know I have these grades as I was really nervous before coming in here,” he said.

“I’ll be doing my A-levels at New College and I can’t wait to get started and hopefully go on to university.”

Josh, who picked up five top grades, said: “It’s pretty decent to get these grades, I wasn’t that nervous until I walked in the door and then it seems real. It’s a relief more than anything.”

And the exam triumphs continued throughout the day with Ridgeway School student Leasha John, from Wanborough, gaining an incredible 11 A* grades and Chris Hall, from Chiseldon, taking home eight A* grades.

For the third consecutive year Bradon Forest School’s students, staff and parents celebrated its highest ever results - 63% of students achieving the Government’s ‘gold standard’ of 5 A*-C grades including English and mathematics.

Because of the excellent results many more of the Purton school's students than ever can obtain places on higher level college courses and look forward to successful futures on apprenticeships, at universities and in the workplace.

In particular mention should be given to the 22 students, over 10% of our students, who achieved eight or more A-A* grades.

Headteacher Andrew Morrison said: “We are delighted to see Bradon Forest students be so successful in their examinations this summer.

"The grades students are receiving today are the result of the commitment and hard work of students ably supported by staff, parents and carers.

"As Bradon Forest School continues to progress I am looking forward to building on the successes of the last three years with future records.”