A STUDENT who “found education a challenge” has celebrated success after securing the grades needed to get into a top university.

Andrew Brown, who has autism, studied his A-levels at the Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington.

Andrew, who is originally from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, said he experiences some difficulties with social interaction, but still managed to take part in extra-curricular activities and develop his confidence.

While studying, he also took part in residential trips to Durham, Manchester and Cambridge, while he completed a work experience placement at Cummins in Darlington.

On Thursday, Andrew found out he achieved two A grades in Geology and Maths and a B grade in Physics as hundreds of other students from the college received their grades.

He said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Queen Elizabeth.

“The staff have been extremely supportive and I have happy memories to take with me.

“Having a brilliant educational provider like Queen Elizabeth has really helped me to become more confident and to get the grades to study at the university of my choice.”

Described by staff at the college as a “credit” to the establishment, Andrew secured a place at York University to study Physics and Astrophysics.

Laurence Job, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College Deputy Principal, said: “Andrew is an amazing young man whose resilience, determination and enthusiasm make him an excellent role model.

“Very intelligent and talented, he also has a generosity of spirit and a modesty which results in teachers and fellow students holding him in very high regard.

“Andrew has a wonderful future ahead of him and we all wish him every success.”

The Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College achieved a pass rate of 99.5 percent, while more than 57 percent achieved between A* and a B grade.

In this year’s results, the college said it saw a 100 pass rate in 47 of its subjects.