'Oxford is lucky to have him' Birkenhead college students exceed the national average

Birkenhead college students exceed the national average

- Raphael Boyd

Eva Baker, 18, was racked with nerves in the days running up to yesterday - when sixth form students across England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their A-level results.

"The sleepless nights were worth it, though," said Eva. "I just got off the phone with my first choice and I've got in. I can't believe it, honestly. I'm just made up."

In the past two years, Eva said she went from not knowing if she even wanted to finish school to being appointed head student and achieving grades she did not think were possible - including an A in law, which she is going to study in September.

"Before I came here, I don't know. I was on the wrong track, I think. I just didn't think I could do it. But my teacher saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. They made me head student and they pushed me, helped me study and I'm so grateful." Eva was one of hundreds of delighted faces opening their results outside Birkenhead sixth-form college, a state institute that says it prioritises social mobility and opportunity in an area with some of the highest levels of deprivation in the country.