A SUPER student from Port Glasgow got up and 'atom' yesterday morning after scoring top marks in his Highers.

As exam results arrived in thousands of households across the area, Paul McGachy discovered he had swept the board with five A grades in English, maths, history, chemistry and biology.

The 17-year-old St Stephen's High pupil, who hopes to pursue a career in science, had his SQA certificate delivered by Port postie Michael Hepburn.

Proud parents Pauline and John looked on as the teen anxiously unveiled the certificate.

Paul, who is the youngest of five brothers, told the Tele: "I am so delighted.

"I was really nervous as the exams were challenging this year.

"I had two in two days and found the English exam more difficult than I expected.

"I was shocked to see five As, I'm so pleased."

Paul now plans to return to school to study advanced maths and biology, and will also take a crash course in higher physics.

His dad, who works for West College Scotland, said: "We are absolutely over the moon for him.

"He worked so hard and faced really difficult circumstances with the pandemic and missing school.

"Full credit to the school, they have been a great support to him."

Proud Pauline, who is also mum to Michael, John, Matthew and Marc, says she was sure Paul was always 'destined for success'.

She added: "Paul's teachers, even from nursery, have always been so supportive in helping him get to where he has.

"It was his first proper exams because of the pandemic, but we never doubted him."

The teen's brother Marc and nana Ella Lynch, pictured, stopped round to congratulate him.

Ella said: "I wasn't surprised to find out his results.

"He was always wanting to learn as much as he could.

"We are all feeling a lot of pride."

Paul, a former pupil of St Francis' Primary, was also congratulated by postman Michael who has been delivering exam letters for 23 years.

Michael added: "I know the family well, so I'm so delighted for Paul.

"I've been doing this job a long time and always look forward to exam day.

"It's great to see someone so down to earth do so well."