IT was a great day for Peter Symonds students when they gathered to celebrate their A level results.

And particularly for one happy couple who are both off to Durham come September.

Lovebirds Gordon Hawkes and Indie Jago are going to Durham together after smashing their A levels. Gordon, 18, of Fleming Road, Weeke, got two A*s, three As in maths, further maths, physics, chemistry and general studies. Indie, 18, who travels all the way in from Fittleton in Wiltshire, got one A*, two As and a B in human biology, maths, psychology and history. He's off to do maths and she's doing archaeology.

“It’s actually because of Time Team; I was a bit sad when Mick died,” Indie said. “I want to do archaeology because it’s just fun. There’s so much time that we can uncover. Though I got my place at Durham first and Gordon followed me!”

It has been another record year for Symonds students, with a 99 per cent pass rate of A levels; 93 per cent pass rate for AS. Eighty-three per cent achieved A*-C at A level, 63 per cent of which were A*-B.

The AS pass rate for A-C grades was 68 per cent, with 48 per cent achieving A-B.

The school’s highest achievers were twins Sam and Luke Dell, of Hedge End, who managed to bag nine A*s, and three As between them.

The 18-year-olds, of Billington Gardens, couldn't believe their grades.

Sam, who earned himself six A*s in maths, further maths, physics, English literature, extended project and general studies is going to do maths at Warwick. He is the single highest achiever in the school this year, something he said will lead to "ultimate bragging rights".

Luke is going to Cambridge to do Geography after getting A* in maths, geography and extended project and As in German, English literature and general studies.

Abbie Hughes, 18, of Ropley, got four As in biology, history, economics and general studies. She's going to Durham to do psychology. "I'm excited," she said. "I worked really hard but I never thought I was going to get this. I'm going to go out tonight with friends to celebrate."

One Romsey girl has worked hard to get her place at Manchester University.

Harriet Taylor, 18, of New Road, is off to do music and drama in September after earning one A* in drama, two Bs in music and general studies and a C in geography.

“I’m really surprised but really happy at the same time,” she said. “Especially with the drama result! I worked so hard; I’m really quite surprised. I get stressed quite easily, I was a massive stress ball for two years! But getting into the university I want is really good and such a confidence boost and I hope it will help define what I want to do in the future.”