A former Croydon school student who left sixth form with top A-level grades in the summer has been awarded a scholarship to study at one of Britain's top universities.

Ian Horn, 18, was one of 27 students from Trinity School in Shirley Park, Croydon, to walk out of their final schooling year having achieved straight grade As at A-level.

And now the former head boy has won a sponsorship deal to see him through his university years.

The £4,000 scholarship was awarded to Ian from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. They will sponsor him throughout his four year MEng in Engineering Science degree course at Oxford University.

The course at Oxford's Christchurch College is accredited by the major engineering institutions with students being encouraged to obtain industrial experience to go alongside their academic learning.

Being awarded a sponsorship deal therefore enables students to get the necessary hands on experience to progress in the industry.

And the head of sixth form at Trinity School has no doubts that Ian will be a success.

Mark Case said: "We're exceptionally proud. He is a lovely boy, very personable and a great ambassador for the school.

"He'll get on very well because he is bright and hard working and a very easy going chap."

Institute president Alec Osborn said: "Now, in the scheme's 16th year, we are proud to give over 30 scholarships for the investment and development of this country's future mechanical engineers. Some of the students are inspired by problem solving, some by helping the environment and others by how to design and build the products that surround us."

Ian was given the award at the institute's office in Birdcage Walk, Wesminster.

Ian is not the only success story for the Croydon school as nine pupils in total headed to Oxford and Cambridge after completing their A-levels this year.