Two six form students have been accepted to study at one of the countries top universities this September.

Kai Melhuish from Debden Park High School and Igor Dasuzhau from Roding Valley High School will both study at Cambridge University.

Following successful interviews last December, Mr Melhuish will study history at Trinity College while Mr Dasuzhau will read biological natural sciences at Churchill College.

Speaking about the application process, Mr Melhuish, said: “Whilst daunting and stressful at first, the process of refining my personal statement and preparing for my interview was an incredibly valuable experience.

“It helped grow my confidence tremendously and forced me to really challenge myself and my own beliefs and ideas, particularly with the questions asked in the interview."

"I'm most excited for the academic environment that Cambridge offers; the intellectual freedom to study almost any period of history I want will allow me to expand my knowledge and challenge my ideas and beliefs, and I am excited for the opportunities and obstacles it will present."

The two students are following in the footsteps of Roding Valley High School student, Olivia Tinker, who, in 2017, went to study at Selwyn College, Cambridge.

Both pupils were supported by their schools, including a cross-Consortium mock interview evening at Debden Park ahead of their university interviews.

The interview process at their respective colleges gave the boys a chance to show off their incredible depth of knowledge.

They were quizzed on their subject and on comprehension tasks on topics as broad as witchcraft in the 15th century to microbiology.

Mr Dasuzhau already has his sights set on a taking his studies further, saying: “I want to use my time in Cambridge to study genetic engineering and later go into further research about its applications, specifically in the medical field as I believe it to be the most useful and am fascinated by the morally unambiguous area of genetic research.”

While many students may feel their A-Level exams would be the most challenging part of securing a university place, both students said writing their personal statements was particularly difficult.

Igor said the process of writing about himself was “rather unprecedented" however, with the workshops and help from supportive school staff, he said he was able to "create one of my own”.

The youngsters, who are both predicted to gain straight A* and A grades, are relishing the challenges that lie ahead.

Joe Simm, director of Debden Park High School Sixth Form, said: “As a Sixth Form, we want to be able to be the stepping stone for our students to move onto great things in their future.

"Kai is just one of many students leaving us this summer to join some of the best universities and employers in the country.

“We are incredibly proud of him and the rest of his cohort as they go on to fantastic futures."

Anjuli Wheaton, director of Roding Valley Sixth Form, said: "It has been a privilege to work with Igor over the last few months and he will go on to inspire others at Roding Valley High School, both due to the ambition he has shown and his passion for STEM subjects."