A star pupil wowed judges at Oxford.

The Sir John Colfox Academy’s head boy, Thomas Crabtree, has won a place at Merton College’s pre-law residential trip.

Thomas submitted an essay on the subject ‘Lying is Wrong. Discuss’. The judges at Oxford said that the overall standard of entries to the popular competition was ‘extremely high’ and they were impressed with Thomas' essay, praising its ‘clarity, originality of argument and marshalling of ideas and evidence.’

Thomas says he was inspired to write the essay due to the ‘seemingly straightforward title that actually explored some very complex ideas.’

Thomas said: “I was amazed at how much has been written about the subject. I was able to get a lot of the ideas into my essay and I’m pleased with the results.”

Thomas’ essay tackled a variety of issues including fake news, the Clinton and Lewinsky affair and the ideas of Kant, Nietzsche and George Orwell.

Adam Teasdale, head of sixth form at Colfox, said: “Tom has written an excellent essay and I’m pleased his talent has been recognised by Oxford University. He will gain a real insight into what life is like at one of the very best universities in the world and we’re all very proud of him.”

Thomas will be attending the Merton College Open Day and will tour the college. He will take part in academic taster sessions with law tutors, sit in lectures, undergo mock interviews and spend time with current Merton law students.

Thomas has an interest in studying law, but only after he has completed a degree. He is currently making applications to study politics at university next year.

Thomas’ winning essay can be read on the Merton College, Oxford, website.