A STUDENT who was at the Manchester Arena during the devastating terror attack has achieved top grades..

Jessica Furness, aged 18, of Kearsley Academy was understandably badly affected by the attack, which took place as students were sitting their exams, but says her success is thanks to the support she received.

She said: “The first week I was quite badly affected for a few days but when I came back in school I got back on track and was given lots of support by the school. The police came into talk to us as well which was good."

Jessica went on to achieve three distinction stars and is off to UCFB’s Etihad to do a degree in football business and media.

She said: “At first I didn’t want to go to university because it was in Manchester, but I have friends going there.

“I received an unconditional offer, but I was still nervous to find out what my results were and excited to be going.”

Other students celebrating great results at the school included Diana Mallen, aged 18, who received the highest possible grades in her business and health and social studies.

She is now going to the University of Bolton to continue her studies.

Diana said: “I didn’t think I had done well in business.

“These results are so important to move you on to the next level and go to university.

“The staff here have been so encouraging and supportive.”

“I want to work with children with disabilities.”

Top performers, Alex Jenkinson, aged 18, and Emma Wilkinson, aged 19 are both off to Edge Hill after getting BTec distinctions.

Alex will be studying business and management with accounting and finance and Emma will be studying physical education.

Alex said: “I am really happy with the results, I have worked hard and these results were so important for me so I could go to university.”

Emma added: “I was excited to get my results.”

Gavin Salvesen-Sawh, executive principal of Kearsley Academy, said: “Results like these make all the hard work worthwhile.

"I’m delighted for both our students and their teachers.

"Congratulations to staff and importantly, the students who have worked hard during the year to achieve so well.

"I am especially pleased to see so many distinction* grades in business and in health & social care, which is the highest grade one can achieve.”

All students at Kearsley Academy are going on to further study or work, with those wishing to go to university all gaining a place.