Ramsgate girl Charlotte Richardson has achieved a place at Camrbidge, despite setbacks along the way.

The 19-year-old, from Newington in Ramsgate, received distinctions in all subjects to study at the world-famous university’s oldest college, Peterhouse.

The former Marlowe Academy A-Level pupil is the first of her family to go to university and overcame the merger of her former school and a double jaw operation to realise her Oxbridge dream.

Two years ago the Marlowe merged with Ellington and Hereson school and curriculum changes left Charlotte unable to complete her studies.

She said: “I phoned around a few places but I wasn’t accepted on any Access courses as I was 17 at the time.

"I then called East Kent College in Dover. By then I had nearly given up hope but they were so accommodating and I started last September.”

Charlotte has been interested in Law since she was a child but it was student support services team leader, Joanna Brown, who really encouraged the former Newington Primary pupil to apply.

Charlotte added: “It was really hard work but I had amazing support with my UCAS application and personal statement. Until then I had always thought I would go to Kent University.”

After two interviews and an exam, Charlotte faced thewait to see if she’d secured a place.

She said: “When I received the letter I told everyone.

"It was brilliant – me, a girl from Newington. I knew then I had to work extremely hard as the offer was conditional on receiving distinctions in all subjects.”

Charlotte, who held down a part time job whilst studying, hopes to use the opportunity to study abroad and is interested in the legal work carried out in Texas with death row inmates.

She also wants to change perceptions about the university’s accessibility.

She said: “A person’s background should not matter and when I am at Cambridge I hope to challenge these attitudes. I’m a mixture of feeling terrified and excited! My family are really proud.”

Eleanor Sherratt, deputy principal, Dover and Folkestone Campuses, said: “Charlotte worked incredibly hard and we are so pleased she is off to Cambridge.

"The Access course is something we are very proud of and our staff are passionate in ensuring every student receives the very best support throughout their studies.”