Five students from Aylsham High School will be carrying on their post-16 studies at some of Britain's most prestigious institutions.

Jacob Bunn and Sasha Norris will both be travelling to Scotland to take up places at Gordonstoun School in Elgin, Morayshire, where Prince Charles and his father the Duke of Edinburgh were once pupils. Jacob is taking up an academic scholarship and Sasha has been awarded a scholarship in recognition of her artistic talents.

Joshua Nightingale has secured an all-round scholarship at the Ipswich School in Suffolk and actress Jodie Randell has been awarded a drama and academic scholarship at Gresham's School, Holt.

Hospitality and catering student Stuart Blyth had to decide between a scholarship to Westminster College, whose alumni include Jamie Oliver, and an apprenticeship with Michelin-star chef Galton Blackiston at north Norfolk's Morston Hall hotel and restaurant. Stuart has chosen to pursue the apprenticeship option and learn his trade from a master.

A further seven students have a chance of being awarded a scholarship to North Walsham's Paston College, worth �500 each. They will not know if they have been successful until they receive their GCSE results in August.

Aylsham head teacher Duncan Spalding said the students' success, often as a result of competitive tests and rigorous interviews, was down to the fact that they were confident, articulate and talented.

He added: 'As a school it is crucial to us that our students feel confident that they can take their place in any company and that they have the courage to pursue their dreams.

He praised the work of the school's careers education information advice and guidance co-ordinator, Dianne Wade, who had given many students the courage and confidence to apply.