The King's School Macclesfield headmaster has praised his students on their A-level results despite the "toil, uncertainty and change" they have gone through.

Many of the students at the school who got their results in very different circumstances achieved top grades and will be heading to some off to top universities.

Dr Simon Hyde said of the 2020 cohort: "Despite the challenges, their achievements have been recognised and this enables them to progress to the next stage of their journey, whether that is their chosen university, apprenticeship or employment.

"The hard work of these students throughout their time at King's and their achievements not just academically, but across a range of musical, creative and sporting disciplines, will ensure their future success in their chosen fields."

Among the school's success stories is Lucy Gosnay who achieved an A* in Psychology, an A* in Business, an A in English language and an A* in her EPQ. The grade 7 violinist is now going to study Psychology at the University of York. Long term, Lucy hopes to become a clinical psychologist.

Grace Harrison, from Henbury, got three A*s in English, History and Business and was thrilled by her results.

She said: "I worked very hard to get these results and I am delighted to be able to go up to Leeds to read History. It's been a tough few months and now I am just looking forward to enjoying my course and university life and getting as good a degree as possible."

School Captain Kieran Cullen achieved A*s in Biology, English Literature, Maths and an A in Chemistry and will now study Medicine at Claire College.

Kieran, who has been a star member of the King's drama troupe both on and off stage, said: "Personally I am fine as are most of my friends, but for others I know it's a bit of a mess this year and I am sure there will be many appeals."

Nico Caplin is another student who has done exceptionally well in achieving an A* in Religious Studies, an A in Politics, an A in Psychology, plus an A* in his EPQ. The 1st XV Rugby player will now head off to the University of Bristol to study a Masters in Psychology with Innovation.

Nicole Tadjeran, from Congleton, is delighted to have achieved the results needed to pursue her life-long ambition to study medicine. A dedicated community volunteer, Nicole was awarded three straight As in Chemistry, Biology and Physics, but had achieved two A*s and an A in her mock exams.

She said: "So along with thousands of other students, I have put in my appeal to get upgraded to the grades I achieved in my mocks."

Nicole will study Medicine at Leeds University and wants to be a surgeon. Her compassion for others has been evident all through her school career, teaching Maths and team-working in local primary schools in and around Macclesfield and Congleton.

Legal Eagle Olivia Holder got two A*s and an A and will now read Law at Durham. "I have been working consistently hard since I was 12 so feel I very much deserve these results but it will be tough for others who may have been timing their push for the exams," she said.