A Havering student who overcame cancer to achieve a triple Distinction* in his BTECs has said this was only possible because of his "drive to never give up in life".

Rehan Ram, who studied at New City College's Havering Sixth Form in Hornchurch, had an "incredibly tough" start to his sixth form journey after being diagnosed with life-threatening cancer.

Despite battling this illness - and his eight-month academic setback compared to his peers - Rehan still achieved grades equivalent to three A*s in his BTEC Extended Diploma in Business.

He said: "The past three years have been an incredibly tough journey for me.

"When I started sixth form, I had just overcome a life threatening illness which resulted me to have an eight month academic setback compared to all my peers as well as my mental/physical health being at an all time low.

"However through my sheer resilience, relentless work ethic, drive to never give up in life and my self obsession of being number one, I not only overcame adversity but excelled."

Rehan said that his exams success came with the help of some "exceptional" staff at the college.

The business student said: "Havering Sixth Form has supported me throughout my entire journey, with exceptional teachings and dedicated staff across the business department.

"They have consistently pushed me to go above and beyond as well as providing me with excellent resources in order to prosper through my exams/assignments."

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Rehan added that he hopes to go into investment banking in the future.

He said: "I hope to secure a degree apprenticeship within the financial sector specifically within investment banking working for a prestigious financial institution."

Rehan was one of hundreds of students celebrating their results across the New City College (NCC) campuses today (August 15).

At NCC’s Havering Sixth Form, in Hornchurch, more than 34 per cent of the A-level students were graded A*-B.