Outstanding A-level results at Rochdale Sixth Form College

Date published: 15 August 2019

Rochdale Sixth Form College students have once again achieved the college's best A-level results today (Thursday 15 August) with a 99% pass rate – maintaining the reputation of ranking above the national average for the eighth year running.

Principal Richard Ronksley, who became principal in June 2018, said: “The students this year have done exceptionally well. We have maintained our 99% pass rate [A*-C grades] with so many students going on to a range of options.

“This year, we have a number of really ambitious students from a range of social backgrounds going on to do many high-quality things, such as going abroad or to London for degrees or apprenticeships.

“I am absolutely overwhelmed with happiness for the students and wish them all the best going forward.”

 

 

Billal Iqbal is the college’s first student to be studying at a prestigious American university. He will be heading to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to pursue a career in robotics after securing two A*’s and two A’s in maths, physics, computer science and an extended project.

He said: “MIT is consistently ranked first and second in the world for its engineering. They offer grants and scholarships, which works out better for me. I have wanted to do this for a few years.

“I plan to pursue mechanical engineering and robotics, with some research into robotics after doing a Master’s and a PhD. My family are very excited and happy for me.”

Billal flies out to MIT on Saturday (17 August).

He added: “It’s going to be hard, but I’m sure I will enjoy it.”

 

 

Harry Tait, 18, is training to become a commercial pilot after achieving four A*’s in maths, further maths, physics and an extended project about aeroplane winglets on the wingtips.

Already a private pilot, Harry is already distance learning for his exams and will complete two years of advance training.

He said: “I’ve always wanted to be a pilot since I was four or five; we used to holiday a lot. I flew my first solo flight on my 16th birthday, which was a lot scarier than picking up my results today!

“I have to do 14 difficult exams, which I have already started, with Bristol Groundschool, plus advance training in Scotland or Sweden. It’s very intense, but I’m really looking forward to it.”

 

 

Molly Howarth, 19, achieved two A*’s and two A’s in psychology, biology, sociology, and an extended project about the effect cancer has on depression in paediatric patients.

Molly herself has overcome cancer, after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour during her GCSEs in 2016. She had the tumour removed in an eight-hour operation at Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, later undergoing proton beam therapy, a specialist form of radiotherapy, in Florida.

Molly, who was named Young Person of the Year at the Mayor’s Youth Awards last year, will now be going to York University to study clinical psychology.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/118314/young-person-of-the-year-molly-howarth

 

 

Carson Holt, 18, will be undertaking a project management apprenticeship with Highways England after achieving an A*, a B and a C grade in art, English literature and economics.

She said: “I admit, the wage first attracted me, but then I found the job description really suited what I want to do. I’ll be based in Manchester, working on several exciting projects at Liverpool docks and a junction between Preston and Blackpool.

“I think I would like to do an Open University degree in economics for some extra points, but I really just want to keep my options open. Highways seem to provide a lot of opportunity for progressing within the company too.

“I will miss college though, and especially the teachers.”

 

 

Nikita Szostak, 18, is heading to Cambridge for a degree-apprenticeship with biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, after achieving a two B’s and a C in computer science, film and media.

He also hopes to take his education further, as investing in education is important to him.

John Mullen, 18, aspires to become a maths professor. He will be studying maths at the University of Manchester after achieving an A*, two A’s and a C in maths, physics, computer science and further maths.

Nitin Babu, 18, is going to study aerospace engineering at the University of Leeds. He achieved all A’s in maths, chemistry, physics – including astrophysics – and an extended project about advanced propulsion systems for space.

 

 

Olivia Murphy, 18, achieved B’s across the board in history, psychology and media. She is hoping to land a job in fashion merchandising before taking her place at Manchester Metropolitan University next year, where she will be studying fashion buying and merchandising.

 

 

Lauren Brown, 18, will be doing an apprenticeship in communications with the Home Office, after achieving three C’s in psychology, media and law.

 

 

Holly Cassel, 18, will be studying biology at the University of Manchester after achieving three A*’s and an A in English literature, biology, chemistry and an extended project. She wants to research cancer.

Chloe Kirby, 18, is also heading to the University of Manchester. She will be studying management after achieving an A* in business, an A in economics and a B in film.

She said: “I’m going to do what I enjoy, and see what happens next.”

 

 

Afifah Khatun has aspirations of becoming a children’s nurse. The eldest of five, she will be studying children’s nursing at the University of Bradford after achieving an A in psychology, plus two Distinction*’s in double health.

Hafsah Siddiqi achieved all A’s in biology, chemistry and psychology, and will be studying optometry at the University of Bradford.

 

 

Abdul Akram will also be studying optometry, but at the University of Manchester after achieving two A’s in biology and chemistry, plus a B in physical education.