Thousands of youngsters celebrated A-level success today.

Nervous hands opened envelopes at Greenhead College, Huddersfield New College and Kirklees College in what is expected to be the highest achieving year ever.

Among them were nine students from Greenhead College who are among the top five and top 10 best students in the country for their particular subject.

They were Lucy Capstick (biology), Alex Pearl (applied science), Calum Graley (physics), Antonia Hull (business studies), Katie Bretherick ( business studies), Annie Rutter (French), David Greaves (English language), Charlotte Roscoe (geography) and Heidi Stancliffe (general studies).

Five New College students were in the top five in the country for their A-level results as the college achieved its highest pass rate of 98%.

Martin Rostron, principal at Greenhead College said: “It has been another year of outstanding achievements; well done to the Class of 2008 who have maintained the standards of their predecessors.

“The great majority have attained their targets and will move on to universities or jobs of their choice.

“It has been another excellent year for results, with a pass rate again better than 99% and a high proportion of high grades. Two out of five were passed at the top grade.

“Out of 833 taking actual A-levels 192 individuals achieved three, four or more A grades, including two with six A grades and another six with five A grades. Once more we expect the college to be around the top of the national achievement tables.

“Congratulations again to the students and the efforts they have put in. They are to be applauded, but we must not forget the support they have had from their families and teachers and all the other staff who make Greenhead so successful.

“It is a real team effort that creates the positive and friendly atmosphere.”

Click here to watch a video of youngsters receiving their results.

Greenhead student Mohammad Mustufvi, of Oakes, was celebrating four grade As and a B and a place at Sheffield University to study dentistry.

“It was hard work, but it’s just a matter of knuckling down and getting on with it,” said Mohammad, 18. “I thought dentistry was a good career to go into and my family are all really proud.”

Neha Gupta, of Fixby said she had found the exams really hard but was also celebrating a place to study dentistry at Sheffield after gaining four grade As.

Harry Yong was delighted with four grade As and a B and a place at University College London to study medicine.

Harry, 18, from Salendine Nook, said: “I’ve always wanted to help people, which is why I chose a career in medicine.”

Sarah Longbottom, of Linthwaite will also study medicine, but at Sheffield, and Aisha Tahira, from Halifax will study medicine at St Andrew’s University inn Scotland.

Sarah, of Linthwaite said: “I’ve always loved science and wanting to care for people so it was well considered career. I can’t wait to go to university, I’m really excited.”

Alex Pearl, 17, of Lindley, will study law at Leeds after gaining four grade As.

She is fascinated by all aspects of law, including the history and diversity of the subject. She aims to become a solicitor.

Poppy Redman, of Outlane, gained four grade As and will study medicine after taking a gap year.

It will be a busy year as she will spend a season in the French Alps as a chalet maid, working in an Indian hospital for a month and travel in Australia and Japan.

Among the top students at New College were Sarah Peckett, 18, from Mount, and Ervin Erriah, 18, from Oakes.

Sarah got three A grades and will study textiles. She said: “I always hoped I’d do well but you can never be sure. “People may say the exams are easy, but it’s easier said than done. If you work hard you will get good results.”

Ervin got five As and three Bs, including top scores in maths, economics and French. He will go to Durham University to study economics and politics.

He said: “I am really, really pleased with my results. I think everyone hopes they’ve done their best, but you can never be sure.’’

New College principal Angela Williams said: “We are delighted with this year’s excellent results.

“They are a fitting tribute to the hard work and dedication of both staff and students. They also illustrate that young people can achieve a very high level of academic success with appropriate support and challenge.’’

Thomas Wild, Lianne Hudson, Tiffany Dyson and Jenny Naylor all got top five pass marks in the country for their subjects.

Click here for a list of colleges and results.