is Cholesterol really high?

[germyrabbit]

just been diagnosed with level 8, obviously have to cut things out of diet but can't seem to find list of levels online

It all depends on the DR,

My niece was 7 for years, but as her good cholesterol is high and the bad low, and she has low blood pressure, she has never been put on Statins.
Across the board, the total cholesterol is advised to be under 6. Some think it should be 4.
8 I think is too high for most people, but your GP will take other things into account, like your blood pressure, weight, smoking and amount of exercise you take.
Let us know what happens - Would think your GP will want you to take Statins

8 is high and it will be almost impossible to reduce it with diet alone, to satisfactory levels.
You will need a statin.

the dr said it could be controlled with diet and exercise

am not particularly overweight either and don't smoke (gave up few years back)

Obviously don't have all your blood results but changes of >10% are rare with diet and exercise. That does not bring you within current limits. What is your current diet like?