SIXTH-FORMER Stephen Paine has become the first pupil from his school to win a place at Cambridge University.

Stephen, 17, from Barming, is currently studying history, geography and sociology at A-level, and economics at AS level at Astor of Hever Community School, Oakwood Park, Maidstone.

His predicted four A-grades, along with a carefully compiled application and a winning interview, have secured him a conditional offer from Cambridge's Selwyn College, provided he obtains two As and two Bs.

The teenager, who hopes to pursue a career in the political sector, said: "I applied because of a mixture of the prestige and the fact it was a course I wanted to do. I knew I had the ability to do it and I wanted to prove myself.

"I failed my 11-plus, which is why I ended up at a secondary modern and not a grammar. This is a real achievement for someone from my background."

The application procedure required great attention to detail but Stephen said his school was very helpful.

"Everyone was very supportive. As I was the first person from my school to apply I had to do a certain amount of research myself, to make sure I was using the right language," he said.

"My sixth form set up a link with Maidstone Girls' Grammar School, so I went over there and spoke to them about it."

Steve Grimes, head of sixth form at Astor of Hever, said: "Stephen can get on with anyone, be they staff or students. He works hard, but things do come easily to him in lessons.

"I am very confident he is going to get the required grades. We are very proud of him, he is such a nice lad he deserves to succeed."