BRIGHT by name and bright by nature, Daniel Bright yesterday had his place at Oxford University confirmed after achieving some of the best exam results ever at St Joseph’s Catholic College.

The 18-year-old, from Okus Road in Old Town, was singled out by his college principal as one of the best performers it has produced in recent memory.

Daniel received A* grades in chemistry, maths and physics, with an A grade in biology to boot, to secure his place on the chemistry course at the world-renowned university.

He said: “It was just hard work really. I don’t think I’m the most naturally gifted person here. I did my best and it paid off in the end.

“My parents always supported me, but they were never pushy. It would always be me doing the work, but they were there to encourage me.

“It was quite a difficult two years. You have the university selection process on top of your studies too.

“The whole process was pretty terrifying. I had to go to interviews at all five of my choices, which involved travelling all around the country.

“My parents are probably more excited than me about the news. I’m still half-asleep at this time of the morning; I haven’t been up this early in a while.”

The college’s A-level students achieved a 98 per cent pass rate, with 75 per cent of students achieving three or more qualifications and 95 per cent achieving two or more.

Thirty-six per cent of students achieved at least one A grade.

Principal Paul Hughes said: “Overall, it’s been a very positive day for the college. Congratulations to all the students on these results.

“The vast majority have got their first preferences for what they want to do on the next phase of their education.

“We had some particularly good results. Daniel Bright achieved some fantastic results. There’s not many in the country that will get that opportunity to study chemistry at Oxford.”

The college has had a tumultuous year after being placed in special measures following a damning inspection by Ofsted in September last year.

“There’s been a lot of improvement through the year,” Mr Hughes said. “We are going to see that in the results as they come through, but we know there’s always more to do.

“I have to say everybody has got behind the school and wants the school to do well. We have started to see that build and strengthen.”