Nervous whispers turned into screams of excitement as students opened their A-level results.

Sixth formers from Mill Hill County High School in Worcester Crescent piled into their assembly hall to find out the grades that could determine the rest of their lives.

The 17 and 18-year-olds have spent an agonising two months worrying about how they did - but most had no need to be concerned.

Heather Frenkiel was left gobsmacked with her three A*s in biology, English literature and physics, and her A in chemistry.

She is heading to Edinburgh University to study veterinary medicine.

The 18-year-old said: "It's not really sunk in, I just can't believe it.

"My parents are really relieved. I haven't even worked out how I'm going to be celebrating yet because I assumes I'd be commiserating.

"It's fantastic, it's amazing and I just can't wait to start."

Ben Windsor, who lives in High Barnet, achieved As and A*s in chemistry, further maths, maths and biology.

The 18-year-old said: "I've got a place at Nottingham to study maths.

"I have no idea what I want to do with that degree but I hope I enjoy it.

"I worked very hard for this, I locked myself in my room and hadn't really planned how I was going to celebrate. I'm so happy."

His friend, Kush Sharma, 18, achieved A*s in biology, chemistry, maths and physics.

He is achieving his dream of becoming a doctor by studying medicine at UCL.

He said: "I totally didn't expect this, it's been a very overwhelming morning.

"My advice to anyone sitting exams is to not be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It pays off."

Hassan Tahir, 18, picked up A*s in further maths, chemistry and physics. Two years ago, in Year 11, he also achieved an A* in A-level maths when the rest of his friends were studying for their GCSEs.

He has also designed an app - Impulse - a game available on the App Store.

He said: "It's a huge relief, these are my predictions so I'm so happy everything went well.

"I like maths so I hope to have a career in problem solving although I've not given it much thought yet."