Oxford place crowns inspiring results day

‘Bragging rights for life!’

That’s what 18 year old Toby Oughton is claiming after becoming one of our very first students to secure a place at Oxford University.

Toby celebrated his achievement – secured with As in Philosophy and Psychology and a B in Fine Art – with a shout of joy and a lap of the Park Lane campus on Thursday 15 August.

‘Unbelievably happy’

He said: “I’m so unbelievably happy, I’ve been so stressed for the last few months.

“It’s not been easy and there’s been a  lot of work, but it paid off. I‘m going to Oxford and I’m one of the first from here to do so – so I get bragging rights for life!

“I will be getting some friends together and having a drink to celebrate.”

He is now looking forward to starting at Oxford, where he will study philosophy and theology, this autumn.

Toby’s story crowned a day of success for students at both Leeds Sixth Form College and Leeds City College, who were completing A levels, T Levels and a whole range of other Level 3 technical courses.

Others celebrating included Dawud Fiaz, whose results – two As and an A* – mean he will be heading to Kings College London later this year to study social sciences. He said: “I thought I’d got Cs so I’m really pleased! This has made my year.”

Praise for an ‘amazing’ educational experience

Digital and IT T Level student, Loukas Arthington, was one of a number who have decided that taking up a degree apprenticeship with a local company will be the best next step for their career.

Health, plus Education and Early Years T Level students, meanwhile, came into Quarry Hill campus to celebrate their results.

Leah Griffiths’ distinction in her Health T Level – which includes a placement in a hospital or healthcare setting – means she has secured a place at the University of Leeds, where she will study adult nursing.

Reflecting on her course and time with Leeds City College, she said: “It’s been absolutely amazing, it’s such a good opportunity to learn what you actually want to do.”

Leah also said how valuable her industry placement, which included working on a a variety of different wards, had been.

That was a view echoed by Patryk Aniolkowski, who achieved a distinction in his T Level Education and Childcare course. Patryk said: “I most enjoyed going to Spain for a two week placement where we had the opportunity to teach in a Spanish school.”

“Great people, great place!”

A level student, Jason Cheung, was also full of praise for his experience at Leeds Sixth Form College.

Jason, who achieved As in History, Geography and Maths and will now study geology at the University of Leeds, said: “It has been a great two years and I’ve met some inspiring teachers, especially my geography teacher who inspired me to go down this career path.

Reflecting on this year’s results and all the hard work that went in to achieving them, Leeds Sixth Form College Principal Phil Mark said: “Results day is a momentous occasion for our students, allowing them to celebrate the hard work and resilience they’ve shown throughout the year. 

“I am incredibly proud of their achievements and excited to see them take the next step toward their futures.”