Students at East Barnet School ended weeks of sleepless nights when they picked up their A-level results this morning.

The sixth form centre was bustling with excited students waiting to see if they made it in to their university of choice.

George Murray, 18, picked up As in history and English literature as well as a B in maths to secure him a place at Sussex to study law.

He said: “I haven’t had a wink of sleep. We all worked really hard - year 13 just hits you in the face. Year 12 is a bit of a honeymoon period but this year has been a big step up. It’s probably the hardest I have worked in my life.

“It is hugely gratifying to get the results. I don’t know what to feel at the moment. We’re done here now and I’ll be leaving my friends behind but the world is such a small place I’m sure we’ll stay in touch.”

Many students were able to get a hint at their results from as early as 7am this morning.

University application body UCAS published a list of university places that had been accepted on its website, though the notifications did not prove beneficial to everyone.

Rebecca Wilkinson, 18, was over the moon with her three As and one A* but was unable to access her university application first thing this morning, leaving her “panicked”.

She said: “I cried because I thought I must have not made it in. t was a nervous walk into school this morning. I couldn’t sleep at all last night or eat this morning.

“I worked for 12 hours a day, it is not easy. My chemistry exam was ridiculously hard but it was all worth it.”

Sussie Anie excelled by gaining two A* in geography and maths as well as two As in further maths and politics.

She plans to study politics, philosophy and economics and Warwick University.

The 18-year-old said: “I was so nervous coming in this morning. I just had to listen to music, my legs were shaking. It was hard work but I enjoyed a lot of my subjects so that made it easier.”

Julia Connick, head of sixth form at East Barnet, said there was mixed emotions at seeing the students achieve their results and having to say goodbye at the same time.

“We’re really pleased that the vast majority of students have got into their universities. These exams are vital, they are the next step for them to access the good jobs they deserve.

“It is important for the staff to be here today to make sure they’re well supported, whatever their results. It all begins again for us now as we have the next lot starting in September but there is great job satisfaction in taking the students on this journey.”