For many of yesterday’s A-level success stories, starting university will be a first step towards independence – and one Ursuline Academy student has proved she’s really willing to go the distance for her subject.

After achieving a set of top A-level grades, medic hopeful Lydia Gonzales is quitting sunny Redbridge for Melbourne in the south of Australia.

“They have a pathway into medicine where I can do an undergraduate degree in a core science and then go straight into medicine,” the 19-year-old explained.

“I’m feeling really happy – now I just have to sort out accommodation.”

After achieving A grades in ICT and maths, and a C in biology, Lydia leaves next month – and her family are still coming around to the idea.

“All of them are supportive, although my mum’s not too happy,” she laughed.

“I’ve been working over the summer so I haven’t had much time to think about results.”