A change of heart well and truly paid off for Bede Sixth Form College student Isaac.

Up until his final year at school, he says science and maths were among his least favourite subjects.

Today the 18-year-old from Billingham has achieved A level A* grades in chemistry and maths, alongside a grade A in business studies.

Off to study chemistry at Newcastle University, Isaac said: “It is a relief to see my results, it means I have got my place at university and now I can relax.”

Looking back to his plans before Bede, he said: “It is funny because I didn’t like science and maths in secondary, until I got to Year 11. I was going to study totally different subjects.

“I started working harder for my GCSEs and I just found they really fascinated me.”

After choosing to study both subjects at college, his grades have continued to surprise him.

Now, top marks again means he gets to follow in his brother’s footsteps studying in Newcastle.

“I’m looking forward to getting started and just being at university,” he said.