Despite the COVID-19 virus, students from Harrogate Grammar School are celebrating success with offers from esteemed universities and establishments around the world. Oxbridge could be home to three students currently in year 13.
In addition, two year 13 students have received offers to study music; one on a full scholarship to study the Clarinet at the Royal College of Music for 4 years and the other to study the Oboe at the Royal Northern College of Music. One student has received an unconditional offer to study at the University of North Carolina, USA.
Amy Rees received an offer to study Law at Churchill College, Cambridge University said:
Deciding to apply was a difficult decision, but being able to participate in the school scholars group gave me confidence. Applying was intimidating but rewarding, I had to go for a full day of interviews and a written exam. Getting an offer was like a dream come true. Not sitting my exams is really scary because I don’t have any control over the results from this point, but I’m hoping all the hard work I’ve done over the past two years and the help I’ve received will pay off.
Olivia Searle has the offer of a place to study History at St John’s College, Cambridge and she said:
I am really excited to have received an offer. The application process taught me so much and to have this outcome is very gratifying! I’m very thankful for the support in school, which made the process more familiar and kindled my interest in study at Cambridge and in my subjects. In the present context, the uncertainty as to whether I will be able to fulfil the conditions of my offer is nerve-racking. With the recent assurance from the University of a further offer for 2021 entry, I’m grateful to have some clarity, and look forward to what’s to come.
Oliver Bean who has received an offer to study Engineering at Wadham College, University of Oxford said:
I’m really happy to have received an offer to study engineering, I’m looking forward to the opportunities and experience that studying at Oxford will give me.
In addition, Hannah Shimwell has received a full scholarship to study Clarinet at the Royal College of Music, whilst Harriet Kempster is to study the Oboe at the Royal Northern College of Music.
Harriet says:
I am extremely grateful to have been offered a place to study oboe at the Royal Northern College of Music next year. My extra-curricular instrumental teachers were essential in the process and I couldn’t have done it without them. I can’t wait to begin my studies and to have the opportunity to work closely with top professionals in my subject.
In addition, two students, Andrew Charles and Eddie Cluderay, have been offered place at prestigious Drama establishments including East 15 Acting School and Leeds College of Music on Acting courses.
Andrew said on his offer at East 15:
I chose to apply to the course because of the specification it covered and the course content. For the audition I had to prepare three monologues, two contrasting contemporary pieces (post 1990) and a Shakespeare speech all my choice. I am very happy to have been offered a place on the course and I’m very eager to get started.
Success also extends to a degree apprenticeship being awarded by PwC to Freddie Palfreman who says:
I chose to apply for a degree apprenticeship in Computer Science after I went to an open day at the University of Leeds and I found out about their ‘Flying Start’ degree programme with PwC. Leaving university with no student debt and gaining practical experience in the workplace are two obvious benefits of a degree apprenticeship. Also, becoming affiliated with such a well-known company set this programme apart.
241 students applied to university which is 83% of the year group. Currently 57% of the applicants have accepted offers from Russell Group Universities to study a range of courses from Anthropology to Theoretical Physics. In addition, students have been offered places on a range of courses such as medicine, nursing, physiotherapy and allied healthcare professions as well as music, drama and the performing arts.
Headteacher, Neil Renton, said:
We are incredibly proud of our students and their achievements. This is testament to the hard work and determination of students, their families and teachers over many years.
