HUNDREDS of students are celebrating after picking up their A-level results across Penarth today.

Pupils from both Stanwell School and St Cyres School hugged each other after opening their brown envelopes in nerves and excitement.

There were many tears at Stanwell School as around five students found out that they were going to Cambridge University.

This included Rob Brown, 18, who received three A*s and an A and is going to Cambridge to study Social and Political Science.

He said: "I'm really happy with my results and I met my grade requirements. I am just so relieved and its lovely to know all the hard work I've put in over the two years has paid off in the end.

"The course is all elements of what I've been studying which is great."

Another pupil who is ecstatic about getting into Cambridge is Rebekah West, of St Cyres School. She received five A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Welsh Bacc.

Speaking about her results, she said: "I chose to study Natural Sciences because I can study maths, physics, chemistry and biology of cells in the first year," said Miss West. "I'm not sure if I want to study allergies or do something like maths and physics, so it gives me a bit of time to decide.

"I'm excited. I knew my exams went really well so was hopeful. I kept checking UCAS this morning, they said the results would be available from 8am, but I was on there at 7.30am and kept checking. At 7.45am I got through and it said I got accepted by Cambridge. I'm so happy. I'm celebrating with a meal with my family."

There were many smiles at both schools as students shared results with their family members.

Molly Mcghan, of St Cyres, 18, got three A*s in History, Religious Studies and English Language and Literature. She said she felt "literally amazing" about her results.

"I am blown away," she said. "I'm going on to English Language at Cardiff University."

Her mum, Sandra Mcghan, said there were many tears when daughter found out her grades.

"It's magic," Ms Mcghan said. "I knew she was going to do well because she put a lot of work in but you are always thinking 'ooh you never know', but she's done fantastic."

Another proud pupil was Stanwell School sixth former Daniel Holman. He received four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and History.

He said: "I'm really happy and surprised but it was good to see these results. I'm doing Civil Engineering at Imperial College in London. I still can't believe I've got in."

His friend Gwyn Donlin, received two A*s and two As in Maths, Further Maths, Welsh Bacc and Physics. He said: "I am amazed and ecstatic. It's brilliant."

He is going to study Maths and Meteorology at the University of Reading.

St Cyres School saw 23 per cent of students achieve A-level grades at A* and A and 83 per cent achieve A* to C - which head teacher Dr Jonathan Hicks said is the highest in the school's history.

Dr Hicks said: "The hard work of our students, and the professionalism and dedication of our teaching staff who have supported them in every step of the way, have once again produced excellent results.

"Our Year 13 students have risen to the challenges we have set them and we are incredibly proud of them.

"I congratulate them on their achievements and wish them well in the next stage of their lives. Education should be a lifelong habit and our students are now well-placed to achieve further success, both at university and in their future careers."