Anxious teenagers across Redbridge are opening up envelopes with their A-level results this morning.

The Recorder is waiting with students at schools, and the early picture is one of great success.

The Palmer Catholic Academy (formerly Canon Palmer School), Aldborough Road South, opened its doors to sixth formers at 8am.

There, a delighted 18-year-old Haris Mallick was trembling as he opened his papers to discover a haul of two A*s and a pair of As.

Grinning, Mr Mallick told the Recorder: “It is just great. This is all I hoped for because I really want to study medicine – with these grades I have a great chance.”

His story is all the more remarkable as he only arrived at the Seven Kings School two years ago after moving from India.

He now plans to take a gap year to apply for courses, and hopes to get into University College London.

Down the road, at Seven Kings High School, Ley Street, Seven Kings, a similar story of success was unravelling.

Star pupil Trang Vu is heading to Bath University to study architecture, having scooped four A*s in maths, further maths, physics and art.

She said: “I was so scared that I would get a B in something. But this feels so good, it’s amazing.”

Veena Patel, 18, had to get a pal to open her envelope for her. She said: “I was so nervous I couldn’t do it myself, so I gave it to my friend, and when she looked at me and smiled I was amazed, so happy. Now I can go and do dentistry at Birmingham University.”

Seven Kings headteacher Tracy Smith said the average score of pupils there had gone up and she was “delighted” with the success.

She added: “There are some real star performers this year.

“After the slog day after day, to see the students open their result is an incredible feeling.”

For those who missed out on their university offer, there is a crush to use the UCAS clearing service to find a place, while others will take a break to assess their options.

Keep checking the Recorder website today for updates and pictures from individual schools. If you have an interesting A-level story, or you are a teacher and want to share your results, email newsdesk@ilfordrecorder.co.uk or phone 020 8477 3821.