Students at Birkenhead sixth-form college in Wirral have achieved outstanding A-level results, with 92% securing places at their first-choice universities. The figure is 10% above the national average and significantly higher than the 60% achieved by other local schools.
Eva Baker, 18, who achieved an A in law and will study the subject at university, credited her teachers for transforming her outlook. 'Before I came here, I was on the wrong track. My teacher saw something in me and pushed me,' she said. Baker was appointed head student after initially doubting she would finish school.
Principal Mike Kilbride said the college focuses on social mobility in an area with high deprivation. 'We take people from our community and help them become outstanding young people, academically and culturally,' he explained. The college provided a free celebratory breakfast for students and families.
Kaitlin Archer, who received three As and will study medicine in Edinburgh, said the college helped her grow personally. 'I’ve always been someone who stays at home, but I’ve changed a lot and I’m happy with where I’ve ended up,' she said.
Scott Rawling, 18, from Pensby, gained admission to the University of Oxford to study English literature. He said he felt proud to have achieved something he thought impossible, adding that his teachers encouraged him to apply to Oxbridge. His mother, Jane, said: 'Oxford will be really lucky to have him.'
