AMONG the recent GCSE success stories from across the district one girl has achieved a full set of A*s without a day at school in her life.

Simone Webb, 16, of Newmans Lane, Loughton, has achieved eight A*s in international GCSEs after a lifetime of home-schooling.

Simone had already achieved A*s in English and maths two years ago meaning she now has a full set of top results.

She said: “The results were good. I've been taught well, and I've studied hard. I've been home-tutored all my life. I get up and do breakfast and my dad would say 'oh let's do chemistry now'. I'd have lunch and do more work.

“One-to-one tuition means a lot of freedom to organise your day with not having to follow a curriculum.”

As well as working hard towards her exam success, Simone is also an active member of Epping Forest Youth Council and has recently completed a video highlighting the dangers of drugs.

She said: “It's really good to be involved in the community.”

After a lifetime of home-studying from her father Simon, Simone will now take up classroom tuition for the first time when she goes to Harlow College to study her A levels.

“I think things have come to a natural conclusion,” said Mr Webb. “It's a brilliant success. She's worked really hard and that's why she's got the qualifications she's got.”

He added: “I haven't really got any faith in the schools these days and it occurred to me if I wanted my daughter to be educated I'd probably be better off taking on the job myself. It's been very enjoyable and stimulating and I've learnt a lot at the same time as Simone.”