Students from The Coopers’ Company and Coborn School are facing a bright future after getting a galaxy of A*s in their A-levels.

Star pupil Dominic Ashton got four A*s, while Aimee Summers and Lily Broom each got three of the top grades.

Dr David Parry, headteacher of the school in St Mary’s Lane, Upminster, said that even pupils with the best results were choosing on-the-job training over traditional degrees.

He added: “We do have lots that could have got into Russel Group universities but are going to law firms or financial institutions instead.

“They provide training or it’s specialist qualifications rather than a generic degree.

“I think with the market increasingly flodded with graduates, if you can get a good job when you’re 18 - why not go for it?”

Students started collecting their results at 8am, although many already knew whether they had got into their chosen universities.

Dr Parry said the new arrangement had taken “some of the drama” from results day but many students opening their envelopes had happy news.

The A-level pass rate at the school was more than 99 per cent, with 62pc A* to B grades and 30pc the top A and A*s.