A sixth form student has become the first student from his school to secure a place to study at the UK's top university.

Debden Park High School's executive Headboy Kai Melhuish is off to study History at Trinity College, Cambridge University, after he obtained A*s in Sociology and English and an A in History.

Speaking about his results, Mr Melhuish said: “I’m delighted to have got my place at Cambridge - it’s been a nervous few weeks leading up to the results but it’s an absolute dream come true.

"I am so grateful for all the support given to me by the school over the last seven years.”

Students at the Loughton-based sixth form managed to secure a record-breaking year for A-Level results since opening back in 2016.

In total 99 per cent of pupils passed their exams, including a record number of A* grades and a record number of A*-B grades.

Headteacher Helen Gascoyne said: "We are incredibly proud of all our Year 13 students and their A-Level results, and in particular this year for Kai who is off to study at the best university in the country.

"As a school we continue to be academically ambitious for all our students and these A-Level results are testament to our outstanding teaching throughout the school and to our commitment to building upon our sustained exemplary GCSE results.”

Executive headteacher Christian Cavanagh said: "We have proved that our Sixth Form continues to challenge all students to achieve their potential and beyond, and to make their dreams for their futures a reality.

"Debden Park High School prides itself on instilling students with a real love of learning and to see so many of them carrying on their educational journeys to university and higher level apprenticeships is truly outstanding.”