Morse might sound like a peculiar choice of degree subject – but Andrew Matkowski isn’t going to uni to study codebreaking.

Ilford Recorder: Chelsea Gillary, Dominic James, Paul Lewandowski, Anjana Magendran and Andrew Matkowski at the Palmer Catholic Academy, IlfordChelsea Gillary, Dominic James, Paul Lewandowski, Anjana Magendran and Andrew Matkowski at the Palmer Catholic Academy, Ilford (Image: Archant)

Rather, the 18-year-old – who swept the board, achieving two A*s and two As yesterday – is off to Warwick to study maths, operational research studies and economics (MORSE).

“I’m over the moon,” he said. “That course is unique to that university and in the future I thought employers will be looking for more than just maths.

“I’ve been trying to keep my mind off it but it’s always been there.”

Andrew is just one success story from Seven Kings’ Palmer Catholic Academy, where maths is the top subject.

Fifty-four students entered, with 28 per cent achieving A* or A, and 69 achieving A* to C grades.

High-fliers in other subjects include Paul Lewandowski, 18, of Ilford, who scored two As and a B and is going to study a medicine foundation, and Dominic Janes of Goodmayes. The 18-year-old achieved an A*, an A and two Cs and will study computer science at Birmingham from October.

Head Frank Maguire said: “We’re very pleased with our exam results. They’re a testament to the hard work of the pupils and staff.

“I’d like to wish the students every success for the future.”