Jamal Utting, 16, from Robin Hood Road, Lakenham, who was head of the school council at CNS gained five As, three Bs and four Cs in his GCSEs.

He said: 'I did well in English, history and RE, I got As in them. I got the results I need to get into sixth form. I was surprised to get an A in English, I thought I would get a B.

'It wasn't easy. I wouldn't have passed if I didn't put in the amount of effort that we did. I thought I could cruise through it but realised I had to work as hard as I could. I don't think they are getting easier. The last maths paper we did was horrible.'

Jamal plans to stay at CNS to do A-levels in physics, maths and mechanics and history and drama.

Depsite his good grades, Jamal is not going to study the subjects at A-level which he did well in at GCSE.

He said: 'I like RE but it's not something I want to take to sixth form and English doesn't interest me. I want to go to uni to do computer science because I love computers.'

Although it is two years away, Jamal said high university fees would not put him off.

Headteacher Jim Nixon said: 'Jamal was a big influence in the school, leading the school council. He has had a huge impact and is a strong leader. He has put a lot into the school.'