A-Level results day is always a nerve-wracking time for students everywhere – but even more so this year thanks to the disruption caused by Covid.

Hitchin pupils have had their learning disturbed because of the coronavirus pandemic – not to mention confusion, anxiety and uncertainty prompted by lockdown.

If you throw in the fact that nearly 40 per cent of A-level assessments by teachers have been downgraded by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation, according to figures revealed this week, it's a wonder how many coped with the situation.

However, the long wait came to an end with the release of results on Thursday morning as pupils learned their grades – leaving plenty in north Herts delighted despite fears over the method for allocating results.

One talented teenager has been sharing his experiences with Hitchin Nub News.

Zac Cash earned A*AA in History, Religious Studies and English Literature A-Level to take up a place in a year's time to study History and Philosophy at Warwick University.

Zac, who spread his learning across all three Hitchin schools was delighted with his results after working exceptionally hard across the two years of A-Levels – including during lockdown.

"I'm delighted because I just wanted to make my family proud," the talented teen said, adding: "I'm quietly proud to have gained the grades predicted.

"It's a relief because it has been tough for everyone. It's been such an unprecedented situation.

"It's not everyday you wake up and have to deal with a pandemic. The best way I dealt with lockdown was to just be in the present and deal with what was happening.

"It is one of the biggest moments in anyone's life, but I felt I'd worked so hard - so there wasn't any fear."

Despite the fear of 'grading by algorithm', thanks to the consistently hard work Zac had put in throughout his studies at The Priory, Hitchin Boys' School and Hitchin Girls' School, he was quietly confident.

He added: "The government's triple lock system, which, while confusing, meant that if I didn't get the grades I needed I could appeal them, which was reassuring."

Modest Zac spent lockdown concentrating on his online learning, soaking up information on everything from Korean philosophy to the history of the British Army.

Zac, who is passionate about the theatre, studied Henry Miller's play Death of a Salesman for his English Literature A-Level and says he enjoyed Miller's work immensely.

He studied the subject at the Priory on Bedford Road, while learning History at Hitchin Boys' School and mixing his time with Religious Studies between Hitchin Girls' School sixth form and the Priory – a fact which he believes helped him.

The 17-year-old says his 'gradient of improvement' was boosted by the fact he split his studies between the three main schools in the town – while also increasing his friendship circle, meaning good-natured Zac is a familiar face in town.

Zac took time out to praise the trio of establishments, saying teachers from all three schools helped him with his studies, singling out Mr Adams and Mrs Cole for particular praise.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helped me, from my family to all my teachers," he explained, adding: "I think the fact I kept my brain ticking over during lockdown with free online learning courses also helped.

"I plan to take a year out before I go to Warwick. I'll be acting as a learning mentor for key stages at the Priory for most of the next year. I'm really looking forward to it."

One of the reasons Zac did not decide to go straight to university was because of the fallout from lockdown.

With many restrictions still in place, he feared the situation would not have been as enjoyable as many starting higher education in previous years would have experienced.

"I'm a sociable person and I think fresher's week this autumn would not be the same as previous years. So I decided to wait a year to be hopefully be able to sample a 'normal' fresher's week – because I don't want to miss out on all the fun."

Zac's mum Sarah was equally delighted.

She said: 'We are super proud of him. He has consistently worked hard over the last two years and has got the results he deserves.

"He has been supported well by all his teachers at all three schools and particularly at The Priory School."