Despite achieving two A*s and two As, one clever student from Hornchuch has decided to take a year out from his studies to pursue a singing career.

Luke Burr from The Campion School, Wingletye Lane, is excited at the prospect of spending the next 12 months meeting different producers and taking part in gigs around the country, in order to follow his dream of becoming a singer.

The 18-year-old, who only made the difficult decision to defer going to university last year, said: “I felt like there was no rush to start studying for a degree. It will feel a bit weird when I see everyone leaving for university but I’m looking forward to seeing where music takes me.

“I felt a little nervous this morning but my mum seemed more eager then me to check my results. The last two years have been difficult and I’ve worked really hard but I wouldn’t want to do it again.”

He added: “People always say they don’t like school but it has been a lot of fun and I will miss all my friends.”