IT was a record-breaking A-Level year at Davenant Foundation School with 59 per cent of all results an A or B grade.

The school, in Chester Road, Loughton, also achieved a 99 per cent pass rate with 22 students gaining three straight As and four sixth-formers earning four straight A's.

Among the success stories Emily Brady, 18, from Theydon Mount, will be going to Cambridge to study veterinary medicine after she gained As in chemistry, biology and maths.

She said: “I hoped for it because I needed three As to get in. Now I feel very relieved and really happy. I'm going out for a dinner tonight with friends. They've all done well as well.”

Jack Cadman, 18, from Chingford, who joined Davenant from Rushcroft School, has gained a place to study economics at Bath University after straight As in chemistry, economics, and maths as well as a merit in the advanced extension award for economics.

He said: “Ultimately, I hope to either go into the city or join the marines. I'm elated with my results and relieved. I'm going to have a celebration but nothing too outrageous.”

Headteacher Chris Seward said: “We're very pleased with the results. Students have done fantastically well and worked very hard, and deserved the results they've got. I hope that they get what they deserve in terms of university entrance or the jobs they've been offered.”