Simon Hickman from Chepstow has secured a place at Cambridge University after gaining two A*s and one A from Gloucestershire College, Cheltenham Campus.

18-year-old Simon, a former Chepstow Comprehensive pupil, achieved two A*s in history and government and politics and one A in religious studies.

"I choose my A-level subjects because those are the subjects I am good at. Gloucestershire College was the only sixth form where I could study all three together; it's much more relaxed here compared to school, and the teachers are very friendly. I originally thought I might skip university, but then I began to realise I may be able to attend a good one."