Ellesmere Students Ace A-Levels to Follow Medical Dream

Medicine is probably one of the most fulfilling; personally rewarding and secure careers open to students who have interests in the biological and chemical sciences. It is also a career that carries with it incredibly daunting responsibilities. At a time when competition for places at medical schools is fierce, Ellesmere students have succeed in pursuing their dreams of a medical career. Overall students at Ellesmere celebrated an excellent set of A-Level grades this year with over a half achieving A* - B Grades.

The demand for Medical School places means that entry standards to Medicine are set very high and even top grades will not necessarily guarantee you a place. Ben Hall, Bethan Lee, Leroy Tonge and Mark McBrien all secured their first choice university places with some exceptional results. Ben, who won The Silver Cross Academic Scholarship on joining Ellesmere, gained an A* in Biology and three A grades in Chemistry, Physics and General Studies. He will be studying at Liverpool University. Mark McBrien will pursue medicine at Edinburgh University with three A* grades in Physics, Maths and Chemistry plus a further two A grades in Biology and General Studies. Bethan Lee secured her place to read medicine at Leicester with an A* in Biology and two A grades in Chemistry and Maths. Leroy Tonge will be studying at University College London and will read Medicinal Chemistry with an A* in Biology and A grades in Chemistry and Physics.

Vicky Pritt-Roberts, Deputy Head Academic said "The achievements of all our Sixth Form students are impressive when they are viewed alongside the range of extra-curricular activities they enthusiastically join in. These successful students have not only climbed the first step to realise their aspirations in the world of medicine but they are typical Ellesmerians and have embraced all that we have to offer. They have climbed mountains, participated in a range of exciting expeditions, performed in our drama productions, in spectacular fashion, and some have secured the Gold Duke of Edinburgh, all alongside their demanding academic regime."

This year saw a record number of applicants, seeking to secure their places at top universities in one example, the University of Bristol had 4,000 applicants for its three medicine and surgery courses this year but just 232 places - enough for just one in 17 applicants. The University of Birmingham had 2,500 applicants but could accept only 334 undergraduates. The applicants to these two universities alone could have filled the entire country's quota for the year.