Lisa Brooks (18) of Dunhill Road, Goole, came top of the 720-strong class with four A grades in her A levels and two As at AS level.
The grades, equivalent to five A level grade As, landed Lisa a place at Durham University to study Psychology.
Lisa told the Courier: "I was absolutely thrilled - I just couldn't stop crying!
"I was expecting anything from an A and two Bs - the grades I needed for my university place - upwards.
"It is mostly just hard work paying off. I am a bit of a perfectionist and try my hardest in everything I do - encouraged by my mum."
Lisa, whose grades make her one of the top students in the country, was rejected by Oxford University but said that their loss is her gain.
She added: "I am quite happy now that I did not get into Oxford as I think I will have more fun at Durham! I am really looking forward to starting university."
Lisa hopes to stay on in higher education to do a PhD in psychology and eventually plans to find a job related to the subject.
Her grades included A grades in A level biology, chemistry, general studies and psychology and AS level mathematics and general studies.
John Leggott College principal David Linnell said: "Lisa is an outstanding student who has done superbly well in her examinations.
"She has shown amazing potential in each of her subjects and unquestionably has the ability to get a top degree."