AROUND 1,000 students collected their results at Priestley College with their sights firmly set on making a difference in the world.
Their hopes and destinations were as varied as the courses they studied with students heading to some of the UK’s most competitive universities to study Medicine, Pharmacy, Bioveterinary Science, Criminology and many more inspiring courses.
They spoke of wanting to pursue careers as neurologists, detectives, vets, teachers and nurses as well as fashion designers, police officers, firefighters, diplomats and journalists.
“We are proud of every member of this cohort who had to cope with disruption during their high school education, but still achieved an incredible set of results with the support of their families and everyone here at Priestley,” said Vice Principal George Contos.
“Speaking to many of them today it is clear they are leaving college not only having fulfilled their academic potential, but also as well-rounded individuals who are ready to make a difference in the world.”
Priestley’s A-Level students benefitted from taking AS exams in their first year, preparing them for the rigours of the process.
Cameron Matthews and Poppy Fenwick secured places at Oxford and Leeds after collecting their A-Level results.
One of them was Cameron Matthews who is heading to the University of Oxford to study Philosophy and Theology after earning two A*s and an A.
“I set my sights on Oxford a year ago, but I don’t think it will sink in that I made it until I am actually there,” said the former Cardinal Newman pupil.
“It’s good to know that all the extra work I put in has paid off.”
In 2023, every Priestley student who had an interview with Oxford and Cambridge received an offer to study at the prestigious universities.
Neve Millard, who studied Fine Art, Spanish, Classical Civilisation and Dance, is staying on to complete Art Foundation at Priestley before studying Egyptology at Oxford.
Zachary White who is heading to Oxford to study Geography.
Two others heading there are Jess Ball and Zachary White who will be studying Spanish & Russian and Geography respectively.
“I love learning about different cultures and linguistics,” said former Great Sankey High pupil Jess, who is aiming for a career in diplomacy or journalism.
“Literature is a big part of the course so I am looking forward to that.”
Priestley students collected results in courses as diverse as Spanish, Fine Art, Health, History, Chemistry, Musical Theatre and Computer Science.
Success was achieved across the board with a 100% pass rate in 23 A-Levels, 30 BTECs and all T-Levels.
Scarlett Taylor, Ben Harper and Kyla Bowden were celebrating on results day after achieving their goals.
Among the T-Level cohort was former Birchwood High pupil Olivia Byrom who achieved a Distinction and has offers from five universities to study Paramedic Science.
Scarlett Taylor’s Distinction in Art & Design has secured her a place at the Jimmy Choo Academy in London studying Fashion & Accessories.
“I couldn’t believe it when I found out that Jimmy Choo actually does some of the teaching on the course,” said Scarlett, a former pupil at The Grange.
“I was pretty shocked when I found out I had the offer because I didn’t think my style of fashion fitted, but there is a lot of artistic freedom at the academy.”
