A sobbing student became the first pupil from her school to ever receive straight A*s.

Sophie Pender was in tears as she opened her results, becoming the first person in Hertswood Academy’s history to receive three A* grades at A-level.

She said: “I wanted to go to Cambridge, but I had a really bad year at AS level and everything went down the drain. I never thought I’d have got results like these; I worked so hard to get here and can’t believe these results.”

On hearing she had broken Hertswood records, she said she couldn’t believe it. She added: “I’m so shocked, that’s absolutely amazing. Everyone has done really well, it’s great.”

The outgoing head girl will head to Bristol University next month to study English literature.

She said: “I’m really looking forward to starting at Bristol next month. I move at the end of September, and can’t wait to start everything in a new city.”

Headteacher Peter Gillett said that Sophie has really impressed the staff. He said: “It’s been a great year, and to break so many records with our results this year is great. Sophie worked really hard and it’s good to see her do so well.”