A Wisbech student will be heading just down the road to Jesus College, Cambridge, thanks to her tremendous A-Level results.

But she only found out after phoning in with her grades last Thursday (August 17) after accepting a place at Durham University to read English.

Ellie Smith, 18, achieved an A in English literature, A* in film studies and psychology at the Thomas Clarkson Academy, and she was all set on heading northwards to continue her education. 

Ellie had previously applied to Jesus College, Cambridge, and had an interview, but she heard nothing and assumed she was unsuccessful.

Having received her grades on Thursday she phoned Cambridge again and told them what had happened, and within 24 hours the college had called back and offered her a place which she immediately accepted.

“She was so happy,” said her mum, Vicky.

“It was brilliant and shows that it was worth a go as she had nothing to lose and was ready to take up her place in Durham.

"She had really wanted to go to Cambridge though, and was so happy when they made the offer.”

The Wisbech teenager has ambitions to remain in academia.

“I want to be a professor of English - it’s all I ever wanted to do since I was seven-years-old,” she said.

Principal at Thomas Clarkson Academy Richard Scott said: “We were all delighted that Ellie had done so well and were pleased she had secured a place at Durham  - but then she told us that Cambridge had accepted her after all and we couldn’t be more proud.

“Ellie has worked so hard to achieve her A-Level grades and she very much deserves her place at Jesus College.”