Actuaries in the UK

Hi guys, first post and i wanted to have some insight from someone currently in the field of actuary (in the UK preferably) and who could possibly give any advice.

Basically i graduate from university next year and i'm interested in a career in actuary. Im currently doing a Bsc (hons) mathematics and statistics degree and being in my final year i've researched any careers paths i'm interested in at a basic level.

At the moment i'm doing alot of calculus modules, and statistics, as well as learning packages such as excel, minitab, SPSS and matlab

I understand that there are alot of exams and studying even after i graduate and i am fine with this.

Now here comes the snag. My GCSE's were fine A-A* in 6 subjects, however in my "rebellious" teenage years i didn't do as well as i should have in my A-levels scoring a C in both maths and chemistry and a D in business studies. I then had my epiphany of oh, i better get my life together, and for the 1st and 2nd year of my degree i have averaged a 1st, as well as being on track for a 2.1, 1st in the third year.

However i noticed that during my time applying for placement years, alot of companies ask for A level grades and you are automatically screened out of online applications if you do not have the desired results, without even being looked at by a interviewer. This has also proved the case with graduate schemes where you have to apply online.

I'm aware that i may not have a job as soon as i graduate and it may take some time for me to be accepted. In which i am thinking of taking the first of the actuary exams, to hopefully increase my employability and show interviewers i am very serious about actuary as a career.

Overall i was wondering if actuary is a realistic option for me, or if my A level grades will put me a huge disadvantage when applying for schemes and jobs even though i may have a 1st in a highly numerical degree. Also if there is anything i can do myself to increase my employability and stand out amongst other candidates, or generally any advice how to get into an actuary firm after i graduate.

tl:dr, maths&stats uni student with medium/low a-level grades, want to know if i can get into actuary, and any advice to improve my chances and employability.