BRAINBOX Hollie Dellar is set to study economics after getting four A* to A grades.

The 18-year-old, from Great Totham,

got her top grades in history, psychology and double maths.

She is going to Nottingham to study economics.

Hollie, who went to Colchester County High School for Girls, said: “It has been crazy, I’m so relieved and I couldn’t have asked for better.

“I’m not sure what I want to do now, I’m taking it one step at a time.”

Pupils at Thurstable School in Tiptree were celebrating after 99 per cent of pupils achieved A*-E grades in their exams.

Of this 55 per cent achieved A* to A grades.

Miles Bacon, heateacher, said: “Our Sixth Form does a great job of making sure that every student receives a tailored programme of study that meets their individual needs, and gives them the excellent teaching and support that they need to succeed.

“This is another set of results that reflects this, and was hard earned by our students and staff.

“It’s great to see more than half of entries scoring the highest grades, and even better to see almost all of our Year 13 gaining the qualifications they need to take up their chosen next steps in their education and their lives.

“I would like to pay tribute to them, their teachers, and their parents.”

Across the country, a record 27.9 per cent of the 18-year-old population were accepted into universities.

Ray Gooding, Essex County Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “We are committed to ensuring young people in Essex get the best possible education and I am delighted to hear that the county’s students have again achieved some fantastic results.”