For one Bury St Edmunds student, the experience of sitting her A-level exams was a lot less traumatic than her GCSEs.

East Anglian Daily Times: A-level results day at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds. Sarah Burns and parents Richard and Lynne. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT.A-level results day at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds. Sarah Burns and parents Richard and Lynne. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT. (Image: Archant)

County Upper School student Sarah Burns’ father had a heart attack just before her GCSE exams were due to start in 2015, which saw him rushed to Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire.

The 18-year-old student’s dad, Richard, has made a full recovery since and was able to accompany his daughter to collect her results with wife Lynne.

Sarah achieved two A* grades in chemistry and maths as well as an A in physics and will attend Manchester University in September.

She said: “Unfortunately, my dad had a heart attack just before my GCSEs and was taken to Papworth Hospital for an operation. He’s fine now though.

East Anglian Daily Times: A-Level results day at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds Hannah Curwen celebrates her results. Picture: ANDY ABBOTTA-Level results day at the County Upper School in Bury St Edmunds Hannah Curwen celebrates her results. Picture: ANDY ABBOTT (Image: Archant)

“I’m over the moon with my results, although I was only one mark off an A* in physics.”

Mr Burns said: “My heart is still ticking and has managed to deal with all the nerves. I am very proud of Sarah, she worked very hard.”

LIVE: West Suffolk students find out results at schools and collegesFellow County Upper student Hannah Curwen is heading to Oxford to study chemistry after a clean sweep of A* grades.

The 18-year-old achieved the perfect grades in maths, biology and chemistry and was delighted with her results.

The keen musician, who plays the flute, saxophone and piano, also enjoys climbing.

She said: “I’m so happy. I was a bit nervous but I had already got the email saying I had been accepted. I’m looking forward to September.”

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