A teenage student whose ancestor was instrumental in creating an internationally recognised qualification is striving to keep his ambitions alive, by studying on the very course he helped to create.

Juliette Peterson, 17, is studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at Truro and Penwith College almost 50 years after her great uncle, Alec Peterson, laid the foundations for the course that would go on to become adopted across the globe.

With a background in academic planning, Alex Peterson, an Oxford University lecturer and headmaster, helped to set up the IB organisation in 1968, and served as the organisation's first director-general until 1977.

Now, his great-niece and part-time radio DJ Juliette has become such a fan of the Truro College course, which is an alternative to studying different A Levels, that she is hoping it will help her secure a place at Oxford University.

Juliette, from Penzance, said: "My mum was quite a big advocate of the IB, she knew my great-uncle quite well.

“I knew about the IB throughout school, and had always considered doing it.

"It’s so much easier to pick six subjects instead of being slightly limited. The IB is really broad, which is a really good thing.

"It’s difficult but it’s rewarding because you know you’re working really hard and in the end it’s going to look good to universities, especially because of the extended essay.

“We had an activity day before college started, and we made loads of friend’s right from the beginning.

“We always hang out together and it’s great to have that kind of support group. We all look after each other, which is nice.”

Juliette's mum Sally, said: "I am very pleased that Juliette has decided to complete the programme.

"When we attended the information evening about it, Juliette found that the tutors were engaging and encouraging, and that the subjects interconnected.

"It is perfect for young people who don’t know what they want to specialise in.

“He was extremely smart and academic, and he had these liberal ideas about education in England. He wanted to make it less bland, and broader.

"I think the extended essay is a great idea that prepares students for university, and the support for volunteer work encourages them to interconnect with the community.

"Truro and Penwith College have a great track record when it comes to the IB.”

The IB is a two-year course which is an internationally recognised university entry qualification.

Students can study a variation of six subjects, which can be anything from humanities to languages to art.