MOST South Craven School students who received their GCSE results already had firm plans in place for their academic future.

They gathered to find out how they had done from 8.30am on Thursday.

Louis Booth, of Cowling, said he was planning to go to university in Europe to avoid the high fees in England.

"I'm fairly confident in languages, so that shouldn't be a problem," he added. "I'd like to study economics."

He said he was pleased to have picked up one A*, three As and seven Bs in his GCSEs, and will be taking A-levels in maths, business and geography.

Alfie Brear, also from Cowling, gained seven Bs and three Cs, despite being ill for half of his exams.

"I don't think it affected me much," he said. "In Science I only expected a C and I got a B, which I'm pleased about."

Abi Horner, of Silsden, produced brilliant results – seven A*s and four As.

"I am quite proud of myself, because I put a lot of work into this and it's been worth it," she said. "I'm going to do A-levels in maths, business, biology and either physics or chemistry."

Chelsea Thompson, from Sutton, said she was happy to have gained one A*, five As and five Bs.

"I put in a lot of effort every night from Easter," she said. "I want to study something related to medicine at university – though I don't want to be a doctor."

Her friend Rebecca Newbury, also of Sutton, gained an A* grade alongside three As and four Bs.

"English language was the hardest subject, I really had to work on that one," she said. "I want to go to university and would like to be a vet because I like animals, but I'm not completely sure about this yet."

Cowling student Joe McColgan was celebrating achieving two A*s three As, two Bs and four Cs.

"I got everything I wanted to get," he said. "I was worried about coming in to today but I'm really chuffed with myself.

"I'll be doing three sciences and maths at A-level, which I know will be quite a heavy workload."

Olivia Gornall, from Steeton, gained two As, five Bs and a C.

"It was pretty hard, I've been studying since February," she said. "If I go to university I'd like to study history at Leeds."