‘I worked really hard and it all paid off’: Elation, nerves and proud parents as students get results

Some students, like 18-year-old on-call firefighter Bobi Jones, haven’t had the time to worry about results day.

Bobi became one of the youngest crew members for the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service when he joined up last autumn while studying A-levels in business and sport as well as the Welsh Baccalaureate qualification.

“It’s been a great experience,” he said while admitting he “had plenty on his plate” as wildfires broke out in recent weeks.

Nick Basher, 19, beamed as he discovered he’d earned a merit in his T-level in digital production design and development.

T-levels – vocational qualifications for 16-19-year-olds in England – have grown in popularity in recent years as they offer a clear pathway to work in a difficult job market.

“I’ve been waiting a couple of months so there’s been a little bit of nerves,” he said.

Nick wasn’t as nervous as some because he’d recently secured a full-time job at a solicitors working in their IT department.

“I am hoping to continue that within the company and look at whatever opportunities arise during that,” he added.