JESSE Panthagani, 18, from Southend High School for Boys, hopes to become a doctor after he achieved four As in chemistry, geography, biology and general studies.

"I'm hoping to do medicine at University College London," he said. "I need to be in halls of residence with catering because I'm an awful cook!"

Jesse, who lives in Westcliff, was particularly relieved with his geography result because he had not done as well as he had hoped at AS-level.

He said: "Medicine is a six-year course. Six years living in London is going to mean a lot of debt but it's what I've always wanted to do.

"Both my parents are doctors and I am following in the line of my sister who is also a medic. It's family tradition really, so there was some pressure."