BURY Grammar School’s school captain said he has chosen to study at Durham University because the prestigious institution’s ‘close-knit feel’ reminds him of BGS.

Sam Sweeney, aged 18, from Heywood, will read philosophy, politics and economics at Durham having attained two A*s and one A in his A-level results.

Sam said: “I feel brilliant, it is a massive relief. Your whole school life is building up to this so it feels nice to get to this point.

“It’s been a great seven years at BGS, I am sad to leave it behind.

“Bury Grammar has prepared me well for Durham, especially the close-knit feel of the school which feels similar to the collegiate system at Durham.

“Teachers here know you not just by name but by nature. I am looking forward to joining the Old Boys’ Association and keeping in touch.”

Sam is one of several students from BGS’s sixth form centre who will begin undergraduate life at Durham this autumn.

George Batchelor, who achieved A*AAB, will read theology at the prestigious North East institution; Freddie Bearn, A*AA, will study modern languages; and Livia Hutchings, head girl, A*AA, will study geography.

Livia, aged 18, from Rawtenstall, said: “It's an amazing feeling, a mix of joy and massive relief.”

Thirty-nine BGS students achieved a string of A*s, As and Bs, with the majority of students set to start their first choice course at universities across the UK.

The school's overall A-level pass rate was 100 per cent.

Many students also took an Extended Project Qualification, with 93 per cent achieving As.

Principal and headmistress Jo Anderson said: “We are absolutely thrilled with our students' A-level results, in a year in which courses have been so much tougher.

“The 100 per cent pass rate is testimony to our students' hard work, their teachers' talent and dedication and the positive, happy and supportive atmosphere of Bury Grammar School.

“BGS’ winning combination of high aspirations, excellent teaching and hard work in a happy and supportive atmosphere where all achievements are recognised and individuals’ talents nurtured, is the key to our students’ success.

“Behind the headlines are many stories of students who have overcome adversity and greatly outperformed expectations and we are immensely proud of them.”

Headmaster Devin Cassidy added: “I am extremely proud of what our students have achieved at A-level.

“While we are justifiably proud of the achievements of our students, Bury Grammar School is equally proud that our students leave us as confident, articulate, considerate and responsible young people, with transferable skills that enable them to turn challenges into opportunities, enabling them to excel, whatever their chosen field.

“Our students are our school’s finest ambassadors; I wish them every success for the future.”