STUDENTS at Northgate High breathed a collective sigh of relief after they finally got their hands on the A level results they had been waiting for.Anxious parents and friends could be seen standing nervously in the sidelines waiting to hear the news.

STUDENTS at Northgate High breathed a collective sigh of relief after they finally got their hands on the A level results they had been waiting for.

Anxious parents and friends could be seen standing nervously in the sidelines waiting to hear the news. Groups of students screamed, yelled or simply sat in disbelief on the grass staring at the piece of paper which marked the end of their two years of hard work.

One student who was involved in a car crash on his way to collect his grades. The Northgate High sixth former, who did not wish to be named, was involved in a head on collision at approximately 11.25 today at the junction of Sidegate Lane and Sidegate Lane West in Ipswich, directly outside his school.

The teenager was on his way to collect his A-Levels when the accident happened, but said he was more bothered about the state of his car than picking up his exam results.

Fortunately none of the four boys travelling in the white E-reg Golf and Black Peugeot 106 were injured in the accident.

Paul Wright, 18, gained four As in his A levels after returning to mainstream education only two years ago.

"I was home tutored between the ages of 12 and 16 and then went to sixth form. My mum and dad taught me and they were really nervous this morning."

I think it helped me a lot because it gave me the opportunity to study the subjects I really wanted to," he said.

Paul is going on to study computer science at York University.

Star pupil Jenny Hewett is especially proud of her results after she found out she had one of the top five grades in computing in the country.

"I got a call this morning from Mr Watts who told me. When I got in and saw the envelope I was really excited as it says on it top grade.

"I was really nervous and I got up very early but it has all turned out well," she laughed.

Jenny is also going on to study computer science at university.

Although most pupils were very happy with their results some were happier than others.

Dominique Gouldby, 18, was a little annoyed that she did not do as well as expected in performing arts.

"Overall I am happy and just glad that it is all over. I just want to take some time and decide what I would like to do," she said.

Emily Grimwood, 18, of Felixstowe got a B, C and E and thought she should have done better in photography.

"I am ok but a bit disappointed with photography. But the others I am really pleased with. We are all just looking forward to a great afternoon with a barbecue and enjoying the sun."

Most of the pupils went away very happy to enjoy what was left of the glorious sun.