Westholme students celebrate next step in pathway to employment

As students celebrate with their loved ones, Westholme School’s Sixth Form is celebrating the best results in over a decade.

Ninety four per cent of students got offered their first or insurance place at university, with many going on to study at Russell Group universities, many ranked in the top of the Times UK list including London School of Economics and Political Science (LSC), St Andrews, Durham University, and the University of Oxford.

Just under half have been offered other coveted Russell Group universities, with some students choosing an apprenticeship route with notable employers such as BAE Systems, Accenture, Bethell, HSBC, UK Research & Innovation – Science Technology Research Council.

Of the three students that applied to study performing arts, an incredible 11 destinations were vying for their selection. Choices included Theatre Arts, Arts Educational School and London Media Academy. Others considered included Italia Conti, Bird College, Emil Dale Academy, Mountview Academy. 

Holly Beswick, 18, from Longridge, will be starting a business management degree apprenticeship at BAE Systems in September after achieving an A*, B and C at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.

The keen netballer, who achieved the A* in business, is looking forward to earning while learning.

Speaking about the prestigious apprenticeship, Holly said that over 1,000 people applied, with just a handful of places awarded.

She said: “I really like business, so I was thrilled that I’d received a place. There were lots of selection stages.”

Speaking about her results, Holly, who has been at Westholme School since Year 7, said: “I am buzzing. I have put a lot of hard work in and I’m glad it’s paid off.”

Fellow student Muhammad Adam has decoded the secret to success after achieving three A*s in his A Levels. 

Westholme Sixth Form student Muhammad, from Fulwood, Preston, studied A Levels in Computer Science, Maths and Further Maths. 

Muhammad has always been drawn to IT and computers, an interest first sparked through gaming and coding. Muhammad has now turned that passion into a future career as he has secured an apprenticeship with Accenture, where he'll be working in consultancy. 

Muhammad joined Westholme five years ago, in Year 9 and alongside his studies, took the initiative to mentor younger students in the year below, offering support and guidance outside of his own studies and revision. 

Asked how he feels after receiving his results today, Muhammad said: “I am ecstatic. All the hard work has finally paid off and it’s a huge relief.”

His proud mum added: “Moving Muhammad to Westholme has been the best decision they have ever made for Muhammad’s education.”

Holly Eccles, 18, is launching her career with a sought-after degree apprenticeship in project management at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the national body that funds and supports research and innovation across the UK.

Holly, from Preston, achieved grades A, B, B and B in Maths, Business, Psychology and Geography at Westholme Sixth Form. During her studies, she discovered a passion for project management.

Reflecting on results day, Holly said: "I've done even better than I expected, and I'm really proud of myself."

For Holly, the highlight of her time at Westholme has been having teachers who knew her well and supported her development throughout her years at the school.

Jonathan Oracz, head of sixth form, said: “I am blown away by such incredible results - but knowing the students, I have seen the journey they have been on and the incredible progress and hard work put in to match their impressive talent; these results are a testament to who they are and how far they have come through both the support of their teachers and the wider provision available in our sixth form.”