SIX students from Holy Cross College are heading to Oxford and Cambridge universities, after receiving exceptional grades in their A-level results.

The high-flyers are the cream of an impressive crop from the Manchester Road sixth form, which achieved an overall pass rate of 98 per cent.

Among those gearing up to study at the country’s most prestigious institutions is Martha Birtles, who will study English language and literature at Oxford after achieving three A* grades.

The former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School pupil said: "I'm very happy with my grades, they are everything I was hoping for.

"The teachers here at Holy Cross were really good so I felt totally prepared for my exams and the college has been really good at helping me with my application for Oxford.

"I'm just really looking forward to starting the course and for freshers because Oxford is a really lively place."

An impressive eighty-two students achieved at least three A*s or As at A-level and 23 per cent of departments teaching A-level subjects achieved a 100 per cent pass rate.

In addition, 54 per cent of all grades achieved by students were in the top A*-B, up from 48 per cent last year. Meanwhile, 11 students achieved four A*/A grades.

Other students to taste success included Amelia Murray, who will read medicine at Hull York Medical School after attaining A*AA grades; and Sam Parker, whose two A*s and an A have secured him a place studying computer science at Leeds University.

Sam, who previously attended Woodhey High School, said: “When I opened my results, I just felt relief, a lot of relief. It was a very stressful night, I’ve had about two hours sleep.

“I’m over the moon.”

The college is ranked second in the North West for successful university entrance from sixth-form colleges and sixth nationally.

Principal David Frost said: “I am more than ever proud and delighted for both our students and our staff at the exceptional level of achievement at A-level and BTEC this summer at Holy Cross, particularly to see such a significant leap upward in results.

“While it is always inspiring to see the high proportion of A*, A and B grades, it is doubly so to see these climb from 48 per cent to 54 per cent this year.

“There has also been a great surge in students gaining straight A/A* grades and, once again, all students holding Oxford and Cambridge offers were brilliantly successful – some with across the board A* grades.

“My thanks are due to our hardworking students, our wonderful staff, our governors and all who help the college in any way.

"Holy Cross continues to serve the people of Bury and neighbouring districts as it always has, as a unique institution with a strong ethos of the highest academic achievement, exceptional pastoral care, unsurpassed enrichment (including excellent sporting, music, performing arts and art opportunities) and a resolute focus on the individual.”