Students were in early to collect their results at Oaks Park High School, Oaks Lane, Newbury Park, where there were screams of joy and giggles as people congratulated each other and began their celebrations.

One student who will undoubtedly be celebrating is Liam McDonnell who gained the highest grades in his year.

With three A*s in history, government and politics, and sociology, he will be heading to Robinson College at the University of Cambridge to read history.

He said: “I think university is worth the high cost that comes with studying for a degree and I am excited about starting. It seems like such an amazing place.”

Head of sixth form Tom Edworthy said: “The students have done so fantastic this year. These are the best results we have ever had.

“The grades achieved show how we have grown as a sixth form despite it only being our fourth year and our students are going to the best universities after all the support they have received.”

Andrianna Christodoulou, 18, was also delighted with her results which means she will be going to study law at Queen’s College, Cambridge after achieving an A* in psychology, A* in English and an A in history.

“I was not put off by the rising cost of university and fell in love with Cambridge straight away, despite all the stereotypes and expectations,” she said.

“University is always going to be costly but the end product is worth it, you’ve just got to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages.”

The overall past rate was over 97 per cent A*-C grades and 90 out of 113 students were successful in gaining their first or second choice university place.

In particular, economics gained a 100 per cent pass rate for A*-C and was the most successful subject.