High achieving students at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College continue to receive multiple offers from top universities despite an incredibly turbulent year due to the Coronavirus pandemic. 

The Sixth Form College is delighted to announce the success of its students receiving offers from the UK’s most prestigious universities is at an all-time high. An incredible achievement in the face of the past 12 months. The pandemic has brought multiple lockdowns and seen students switch from the usual face-to-face lessons to online lessons and sometimes a hybrid of the two. Students have been undeterred by these unusual and disruptive times to accomplish their future goals. 

The High Achievers Programme has once again been instrumental in supporting students to reach their full potential. The programme, launched four years ago, was designed by experienced staff who have graduated from top universities. The programme provides students with mentoring, guidance, and support from professionals knowledgeable of university admissions processes and tests. 

Edward Swann, Director of STEM and Head of the High Achievers Programme at the City of Stoke-on-Trent Sixth Form College, said, 

“The High Achievers Programme, now into its fourth year, has seen an explosion of offers for top national and international destinations across all areas including over 20 offers each year for the last two years for medicine, dentistry and veterinary progression; six offers this year alone for progression to Loughborough for sport and over 15 offers to top music and performing arts destinations. We also anticipate this year to mark twelve students progressing to study at Oxbridge over the last three years.” 

Former Endon High School Student Lily Massey has received an offer from the University of Oxford to study Biochemistry. Lily has been working incredibly hard and feels the High Achievers Programme helped her to develop necessary skills. 

Lily commented, “I am incredibly happy and proud to have received an offer from the University of Oxford to study Biochemistry. During my time at Sixth Form College, I have taken part in the High Achiever’s Programme which has helped me to develop my skills. It has also given me access to countless opportunities that aided my journey through college and towards university.” 

“Staff have been incredibly supportive and helped me through some tough moments. I would like to thank them all for believing in me.” 

Isobelle Hulme, formerly from Chesterton Community Sports College has received offers from 6 top UK conservatoires/drama schools including The Institute for the Arts Barcelona and Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance and the Institute of Contemporary Theatre. Izzy’s dreams are now becoming a reality, although the pandemic has meant that the audition process took place virtually and brought a whole new set of challenges. 

Izzy said, “I am so shocked at the offers that I have had, drama schools have such a low acceptance rate and are so tough to get into, so this is a dream come true. Covid has made the audition process difficult as I wasn’t able to audition face to face, but I am still grateful, although it has made studying for 4 A Levels challenging.” 

For the past 12 months, students have had to deal with uncertainty over what the future holds. Students have been unable to visit prospective universities; open events have taken place virtually. However, students have used these unusual circumstances to develop many transferrable life skills which will help them throughout adulthood. 

Former Co-operative Academy student Romeo Mapfumo has received an offer to study maths with sports science at Loughborough University. The pandemic has helped Romeo to become more resilient. 

Romeo expanded, “The current covid pandemic and the uncertainty it brings has made studying even tougher. However, it has been an experience that has shown the importance of resilience and hard work. Receiving these offers from such prestigious universities has made me feel immensely proud. It will give me the platform to have a rewarding career in sectors I am passionate about. “ 

Romeo has also received help from the Talented Athlete Programme where students who compete in regular competitive sport will experience quality coaching and access to top-class sports facilities. 

Romeo also commented, “The Talented Athlete Programme has helped me in many ways, mainly providing me with communication skills, leadership skills and being able to work as a team – qualities that will be beneficial in the future.” 

As a result of dedication, hard work and sheer determination through one of the most challenging years, Sixth Form College students have certainly impressed. These talented students have used the support provided by the High Achievers Programme, Talented Athletes Programme and various other clubs and societies on offer to reach their high aspirations.