"Thank heaven!" Helen Thorley's smile of relief says it all for hundreds of A-level pupils.

Helen, from St Paul's Catholic College in Burgess Hill, was beaming after she gained four A grades to secure her place at Bristol University to read Chemistry.

The sixth-former from Haywards Heath achieved A grades in A-level chemistry, maths and biology and an A in further maths AS-Level.

Many youngsters chose to share their big moment with pals at their colleges.

With cherished places at university at stake for many there was undisguised joy when students found out they had achieved top marks.

For others who fell just a little short of their aspirations the gatherings of students were tinged with some disappointment.

After learning of their results the students at Mid Sussex colleges are heading for gap years, degree courses, and jobs.

St Paul's at Burgess Hill faced a tough challenge, because it reported a 100 per cent pass rate last year.

This year's figure was 98 per cent and 58 per cent successes at A and B grades, only slightly down on last year.

The college's deputy head Rob Carter said this morning: "We are really pleased with the achievements of our year 13 students."

Central Sussex College Haywards Heath campus reported an impressive pass rate of 97.3 only 0.1 per cent down on last year.

Dr Alex Bursord, vice principal of Haywards Heath sixth form campus said today: "Our students have worked extremely hard to achieve their results. Our congratulations go out to all of our students and we would like to wish them every success for the future."

Amongst the private schools, Burgess Hill School for Girls reported this morning 82 per cent of all A-level grades were A or B and 94.4 per cent A-C grades.

College results will be published at www.midsussextimes.co.uk as they are released

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