A Star Bishop's Stortford student has been nominated for a prestigious education award after achieving outstanding exam results in the wake of a family tragedy.

Rebecca Simpkin, an A-level student at Herts and

Essex High School, gained nine top A* grades and two A grades in her GCSEs last summer, despite the death of her "role model" sister, from meningitis, three years earlier.

In recognition of her remarkable performance, the 17-year-old prefect has been shortlisted along with five other hopefuls for the Academic Achievement Award at the Edexcel Achievement in Education Awards 2001.

Rebecca, of Penningtons, said: "The last few years have been a very difficult time for me because in 1997 my older sister died of meningitis having just started university.

"Up to that point she had been my role model and I have fought to maintain the positive attitude she always exhibited. This is extremely important to me."

If she wins, Rebecca who is planning on a career with the Home Office or the European Union will be given £1,000 to spend on an educational activity or charity of her choice.

She will also be entered into the Outstanding Student of the Year Award with £5,000 towards furthering her education and £5,000 for her school up for grabs.

Sixth form head Christine Bruce paid tribute to Rebecca, who also plays the flute and is a candidate for head girl, saying: "Against all odds Rebecca has sustained a positive outlook on life throughout her school career."

Edexcel is the leading provider of vocational and academic qualifications offering courses at more than 6,000 schools, colleges and training centres nationwide.

It was formed as a result of the merger between BTEC and London Examinations.