Beth Whiteley studied at Leeds Sixth Form because she had the flexibility of studying creative subjects alongside maths. On results day, she was ecstatic to achieve B, A and A* grades for maths, textiles and photography, respectively. We caught up with her to find out more.

How was your time at Leeds Sixth Form?

I had a great time at Leeds Sixth Form. It allowed me to pursue my favourite subjects in a welcoming atmosphere. Other schools mainly focus on grades, whereas here, the tutors have a genuine passion for their subjects and ensure you develop vital skills that are needed for the industry.

It’s a very versatile place where I had the opportunity to meet people with a variety of different backgrounds. Throughout my time here, I felt comfortable, at home and safe.

What made you choose the subjects you studied?

I have always enjoyed making things, coming up with ideas and bringing them to life, it gives me so much freedom and creativity. Some of my projects have included photographing mouldy fruit and vegetables and creating hand embroidered flowers.

I spent a lot of time with my grandparent who showed me how to make things. I also enjoyed textiles at high school, so I decided to study it further.

As for maths, it’s something I am good at and it’s refreshing to study an objective discipline in between being creative.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities?

I took part in a sign language club which I found interesting and allows me to communicate with more people, which I think is important.

What’s next for you?

I’ll be studying a foundation diploma in art and design at Leeds Arts University. My aim is to build up a portfolio, go on to a full degree and possibly pursue a career in costume design.

Damilola Akinbolu was this year’s Leeds Sixth Form Student of the Year at the college’s annual Star Awards ceremony.

An international student with less than three years in the country, the talented 19 year old achieved A* in maths, B in further maths and C in physics. We caught up with him to find out what he’ll be doing next.

How was your time at Leeds Sixth Form?

It has been a wonderful experience. The support I received from the teachers and staff was invaluable.

Coming from Nigeria, I could already speak English but it was a different education environment, so I found it difficult to adjust at first.

What was your reaction when you opened your results envelope?

I was really pleased to see my results and I’ve got my place at university, which is great.

I got support from Leeds City College staff with everything related to UCAS; they really helped me a lot with it and I can’t thank them enough.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying A levels?

A levels are hard work, but also enjoyable. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. No exam is hard if you make sure you prepare and study beforehand.

For international students, adjusting is challenging, but you will meet lovely, friendly people at the college who will help you every step of the way and support you to achieve your goals.

What’s next for you?

I will be going to the University of Leeds to study electronic and electrical engineering, but I’m taking a gap year to study electronics with Leeds City College.

In the future, I would like to work for an electric company, and improve the electricity supplies in my home country.

Leeds Sixth Form gave Grace Firth another chance after she failed her A levels at school. Following a break from education, she came here and walked away with a B and two As in law, psychology and sociology, respectively.

She said: “I didn’t enjoy my time at school, the teaching wasn’t good and only focused on grades. Coming here made a huge difference. I wanted to start my A levels from scratch and this was the perfect setting and environment for me to do so.

“The teaching here was the biggest difference. Tutors were always willing to help and go the extra mile to meet our needs. They made me feel relaxed and gave me a homely place to start again, which made me motivated to succeed.”

Grace made new friends and met people from diverse backgrounds. Alongside her studies, she had a weekend job that was sometimes a challenge. “At one point during my time here, the pressure of trying to work, study and fit in a social life got to me and I broke down.

“Thanks to the wellbeing team at college, I got the support I needed and managed to get back on track. I was also nominated to be a student leader, which allowed me to help fellow students with any difficulties they were facing.”

The 19-year-old was pleased to see her results after two years of hard work. “I couldn’t believe it, even my mum started crying with happiness.

“I would like to say thank you to all my teachers, especially Glenis, who made me love psychology.”

Grace will be heading to Nottingham Trent University to study psychology and hopes to specialise in sport psychology or forensics.

Studying for GCSEs can be a stressful time, especially if you are facing other challenges too. This is often the case for our 14+ Apprenticeship Academy students, who come here to experience a more tailored and supportive environment; allowing them to thrive and be the best they can be.

Isabelle Walker is one of the many students who flourished at the academy. After years of suffering from unexplained seizures, mental health problems and being bullied at her previous school, she started to transform in her new environment. On GCSE results day, she walked away with her head held high and one of the best set of grades on record, for the academy.

The 16-year-old said: “I’m so shocked and happy with my results. College has done so much to support me and I’m grateful to everyone here. I definitely would not have achieved these grades at school.

“My confidence grew during my time here, which meant I was able to believe in myself, work hard and do well.”

Niki McKenna, Deputy Head of 14+ Apprenticeship Academy, said: “We’re so proud of Isabelle and the challenges she has overcome.

“It’s immensely rewarding to see students’ journeys to success come to fruition and see them go on to do things that they thought wouldn’t be possible when they first stepped through the door.”

Isabelle received six GCSEs ranging from levels 5-7 and plans to study A levels with the college.