Joseph goes from D to A

DETERMINATION wins the day for a delighted Joseph

A LEVELS 2011

A DETERMINED Our Lady’s School student transformed his exam grades to secure a place at university.

Joseph McLoughlin (18), from Chadderton, was left disappointed with his D result in his maths modular exam in January , too low to secure a place on a chemistry degree at the University of York.

However, after hitting the books and studying hard, Joseph has now transformed his D into an A, and also gained another A in chemistry and Bs in physics and biology.

He said: “I’m very pleased, it’s a massive relief. The January exam results were a real shock but they gave me the kick I needed and made me realise I had to put the work in.”

Fellow students Andrew Broadbent and Hollie Chadderton, both 18, have also succeeded in their chosen career paths.

Keen volunteer Andrew (18), from Rochdale, is chairman of the Conservation Trust Youth, a voluntary organisation for 16 to 25-year-olds which he founded and runs.

He will balance that work with study now that he has secured an IT apprenticeship at Zenos IT Academy in Manchester.

Hollie successfully gained a scholarship to Liverpool Hope University after passing her BTech in health and social care with a distinction, the highest grade.

She will now study a three year degree in disability studies and education and plans to open her own respite care centre after she finishes.

Bob Thornton, head teacher, said students had achieved a 99 per cent A-Level pass rate which was a 0.7 per cent improvement on last year and the highest pass rate since 2005.

He said: “I’m pleased that the students’ hard work has been rewarded.

“This exceptional outcome is the result of the hard work of students and staff alike. We wish our young people the very best for their futures.”