A National eisteddfod winner from Llandudno is heading for Cambridge University this October after a star-studded performance in his A-levels.
Ysgol John Bright sixth former Ellis Thomas gained A stars in Music, French and Maths and is off to Downing College Cambridge in October.
The 18-year-old from Penrhyn Bay, fresh from success at the National Eisteddfod in Llanrwst where he won the Under-19 Piano Blue Riband, said: “I was very nervous. I got into the car today at 20 to eight and the UCAS app came up on my phone saying I had had thee offer confirmed.
“I’m thrilled and I’m just going to chill out a bit now it’s confirmed. It’s such a relief.
“Hopefully I would like to become a concert pianist but it’s very competitive and difficult.
“I think that having a Cambridge degree will open a lot more doors and give me more opportunities to do things.”
It was a great day for Ysgol John Bright where 79 per cent of students gained A star to C grades at A-level with 62 per cent getting at least one A and 11 per cent three As.
Head teacher Ann Webb said: “Congratulations to the sixth formers for their outstanding success at A-level.
“There have been some excellent academic achievements and I’d like to wish them all well in their futures.”
Sohaib Hassan, 19, from Rhyl is taking a gap year after an A star and two As in English Literature, Psychology and Drama and has ambitions of going to Oxford University.
He said: “I’m taking a year off. I really didn’t expect this and I’m really excited.
“You go into an exam and you just have your brain and a pen and you only have two questions but it seems to have all gone well.
“I want to be involved with my family, get a job and some money and help them and re-apply for Oxford after missing out last year.
“I really want to go to a university that will make a big difference to me.”
Jack Thomas, 18, from Llandudno, is going to Manchester University to study Physics after an A star, two As and a B in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics.
He had a big hug from his mum, Claire Jones, and said: “I’m really happy. It’s a tense time. I think I’d be fine if my mum wasn’t here.”
Tearful mum Claire said: “I’m made up for him. I’m so proud he’s done so well.
“It’s a top university and not that far away. He can be home for his tea.”
Gabriella Williams, 19, from Llandudno is off to Liverpool John Moores University to train as a primary school teacher after getting the right grades in Art, RE, Maths and Applied Maths, and she said: “I’ve always wanted to be a primary school teacher so I’m thrilled. I’m just so happy I got in.”
Luke Jones, 18, from West Shore, Llandudno, is going to Leeds University after gaining three As and a B in Biology, RE, History and the Welsh Bacc.
Luke, who holds down summer jobs at Debenhams and at Lawton Court restaurant, said: “I’m buzzing. Can’t wait to go.”
Head of Sixth Form Ben Williams said: “We’re really pleased with the results and the boys in particular have done amazingly well. All their hard work has paid off.
“It’s been nerve-racking for them and for me because you get so anxious for the students but I’m delighted with how it’s turned out.”
