Great results secure new challenges and fresh starts

Students are looking forward to starting new challenges in higher education after achieving impressive exam results.

Many of our learners had cause to celebrate when they discovered how they had fared in their Level 3 courses on Thursday 13 August.

Among them was 30 year old Jaweria Nasim, who went from nearly dropping out to excelling in her Access to HE Science course.

As a single mother facing financial difficulties and limited support outside college, Jaweria navigated multiple personal hurdles alongside her studies.

Great support helps Jaweria land university place

She said: “Returning to intensive study while balancing healthcare work and family life was definitely a challenge. Overcoming it required building strong time-management skills, staying disciplined with my goals, and leaning on the great support systems and tutors available at college.”

Jaweria went on to win the Future Navigator category at this year’s Star Award, in recognition of her resilience and hard work throughout the year.

She has now secured a place to study Biomedical Science at the University of York. 

She said: “Having worked in healthcare, I developed a real passion for understanding the biological mechanisms behind human disease.

“The University of York offers world-class research facilities and great career pathways, making it the perfect environment to bridge my hands-on clinical experience with my academic ambitions.”

Just rewards for an outstanding effort

For Mykhailo Herasymenko, who fled to the UK from the horrors of war in Ukraine four years ago, his results were vindication for the amazing effort he put into achieving his A levels.

The 19 year old, who has got the grades he needs to study Law at the University of Manchester, is based in Lincoln so had to complete a four hour round trip to get to Leeds Sixth Form College each day.

Celebrating his A in law, B in history and C in politics, he said: “I’m happy with my results because I’ve got into the university I wished for. 

 “I’ve loved this college, all of the teachers were so supportive, helpful and encouraging.”

Referring to his unusual commute, he added: “It took a very long time and it was a bit stressful, because of the train often being cancelled or deblayed.

“But anyway I found it quite peaceful, I had a long time to revise, study and even sleep!”

Caring teachers help Kodi overcome fears

Another student who will be progressing onto higher education is Kodi Horan, who with her A level results – two As and a B –  will be going on to study Law at the University of Manchester. 

The 20 year old said: “I’m excited to leave Leeds Sixth Form College and start a new chapter, but it’s also bittersweet as I’m leaving a place after two years of dedicating my time towards learning and meeting new people.

“I had a lot to figure out as I was going along. My parents hadn’t completed A levels so it was the unknown that made it scary.

“The support on my course has been amazing all round. Every member of staff I spoke to was encouraging and always willing to help. Their guidance gave me confidence that I could succeed in every step.

“It’s obvious that the teachers genuinely care about your success, whether it’s through  offering you assistance or motivating you to be more independent.”

Aiming for the top

Peniel Kumah has had to face many challenges since moving to the UK from Ghana – not least in mastering English.

But he has overcome them all, and is now looking forward to starting a mechanical engineering course at the University of Leeds after achieving three As and a B in his A levels.

He will be the first member of his family to attend university.

He said: “There were a few times I struggled to communicate and I felt lonely sometimes. It felt like I was starting life all over again but now I feel way better and I hope it keeps on getting better.”

After university, Peniel is aiming to work for an esteemed car company, like Rolls Royce or Ferrari, or even NASA.