News of A level results was texted to students trekking across Kenya on a school trip this morning, as West Hatch High School celebrated a record breaking year.

Students at the Chigwell sixth form improved “significantly” on last year said the school, with 84 per cent of all grades A* to C.

Many got their first choice of university, with vocational students performing best – travel and tourism, ICT, fashion and sport all achieved 100 per cent A* or A grades.

Eleanor Meakin, 18, of Boleyn Way, was one of the school’s top performers with two A* and an A.

She said: “I am going to do civil engineering at Newcastle.

“It is just really interesting, looking at how you can build stuff to change how we live and improve.

“It is quite fundamental to everything.”

Her father Keith, 55, left West Hatch 37 years ago.

He said: “She has put an exceptional amount of work in to get the results she got.

“I have been astounded by the amount of work and how hard she has worked.

“It has pulled off, and I am very proud of her for doing it.”

Olivia Rugeley, 18, said her A* grade in dance will allow her to work towards her dream job.

She said: “I am really pleased with what I got, I could have done better but I got into my top uni, so I am very happy.

“I am going to Canterbury Christ Church to do dance education.

“I want to eventually work with disabled children teaching dance.

“I got an A* in dance here, but I always wanted to work with children so this gives me a chance to combine both.

“My plan for the summer is learn how to cook, get some work experience, prepare myself and get ready for freshers!”

“The school is delighted with these results,” said head teacher Frances Howarth.

“We wish our students well as many of them now go off to prestigious universities across the county or take on top jobs and apprenticeships in London.”