FORMER Caldicot School head boy Luke Hart has achieved his dream to study under one of Britain's best-known scientists after an outstanding set of A-level results.

Luke won a place at Manchester University to study astrophysics under Professor Brian Cox after achieving an A* in maths, A in physics and an A in music.

Luke, who last year achieved grade A in both further maths and drama at AS level, is one of a number of students from local schools who achieved outstanding results at A-level.

The number of students at Chepstow School sitting A-levels was 120 and six each picked up several A* or A grades.

Rhian Bethel is going to Exeter University to study sports science after gaining four A*.

Rob Jones, of Chepstow, achieved A* in economics, information communication technology and maths and will study investment and risk management at City University in London.

Hannah Morgan of Undy is going to study medicine after gaining As in biology, chemistry and maths.

She said: "I can't believe it. I wasn't confident, I just did my best."

Gareth Evans is going to Cardiff to study English Literature after gaining A* in English and history and a B in Welsh.

Matt Power gained an A* in economics and As in maths and further maths and Eifion Worth had As in French, maths and physics.

At Wyedean there were 149 students who completed the exams and there were outstanding performances by Stuart O'Reilly, Joseph Rigby, Bianca Dowd, Rhian Lewis and Katie Sears who each achieved three or A* or As.

Katie, who is taking a gap year, is one of triplets from Chepstow and both sister Lauren and brother Mike also did well.

Mike is going to Lancaster to study business management while Lauren has a place at Middlesex on a TV production course.