It was a case of the calm before the storm at Farnham College this morning as staff gathered bright and early for the biggest day of the year.

While many people were still going to work, the college opened its doors to students keen on collecting their A-Levels by hand.

Table of A- Level results awaiting students at Farnham College
The calm before the story: Dozens of envelopes containing life-changing results wait to be collected. (Marcus McQuilton)

Whilst online capabilities mean many students no longer come to college to collect their results, many parents and students deem the trip to be a rite of passage.

Some students even peeked at UCAS before turning up to collect their results, hoping to secure the grades needed to secure places at their preferred universities.

One student who resisted to look online and kept things old-school was Arthur. As he opened his letter a brief moment of nervousness was met with a smile as he realised he got the grades he needed to study nursing in Plymouth.

Excitement and nerves filled the air as students received the envelopes containing their fate. Parents, staff and students held their breath as they glanced over the jargon to see their grades.

There were smiles for most as the realised their revision and hard work had paid off and university places had been secured. Others faced disappointment but staff quickly rallied around those who did not get what they wished for to offer alternatives and pathways to a brighter future.

Other pupils spoke of their plans in the future including gap years in Scandinavia, training to be pilots and going out into the working world.