HIGHFLYERS from Colchester Royal Grammar School and Colchester County High School for Girls are eagerly looking forward to their next chapter after receiving exemplary results in their A level exams.

Many were sitting public exams for the first time after Covid-19 saw the cancellation of GCSE and As levels in 2020 and 2021.

Although not every pupil received the results they perhaps aimed for, there were plenty of success stories as hundreds of teenagers saw their school careers end and their university careers draw one step closer.

Many pupils are not content to study simply so they can receive a certificate after three years of higher education, however, and many young adults moving to university next month will have far loftier ambitions.

One such pupil, who received two A* grades in French and German and an A in English language, was Poppy Sugden.

The 18-year-old from near Braintree will move on from Colchester County High School for Girls and head for Cambridge University next month, where she will study French and Spanish.

She explained that since the UK’s exit from the European Union, she wants to use her multi-lingual ability as a unifying force.

She said: "I’ve always loved doing French outside school and I think it’s a good way to connect different countries.

"I’m really excited about doing languages and being with other people who are passionate about the subject."

Moving to London to study at the Royal College of Music in a few weeks’ time is flautist Viviane Ghiglino.

Having passed her Grade 8 flute at the age of 12, the 18-year-old was perhaps destined for pursuing further study of music, and after a summer of touring the UK with the National Youth Orchestra – including playing at the Royal Albert Hall as part of the BBC Proms – she will be keen to prime her musical talent further.

At Colchester Royal Grammar School, meanwhile, Jaime White received four A* grades having studied history, economics, Spanish, and French.

He has since earned a place to study Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at Cambridge University, with a specific interest in Japan.

"It was a total coincidence [stimulating my interest in Japan] – I went to a seminar that really interested me.

"I was going to do history, but I didn’t want to drop all my languages; [this degree] will give me the chance to focus on both my core strengths.

"Researching the complex history of Japan was always something that’s fascinated me."

Heading to Bristol University after a captivating visit to the campus is Orla Gosling Campbell.

After receiving an A* in history and grade As in English literature and religious studies, the 18-year-old will be studying for a degree in law.

She said: “I was never really sure about where I wanted to go – I got it down to the final five universities, but when I saw Bristol and saw the cathedral lit up and the choir [I decided I wanted to go there.]

"I definitely want to do family law because it’s the best way to keep doing something I believe in – it’s the closest way to help people because it directly affects people’s lives.”