17 fantastic success stories from Westholme School this A Level results day
A top Lancashire independent school is shining a spotlight on some of its brightest stars this A level results day.
Westholme School in Blackburn is celebrating today as 79 per cent of all its entries were awarded A*- B grades - the Sixth Form’s best results in over a decade.
94% 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.
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
Behind every top grade though is a Westholme pupil and whilst you can read more about the school’s results HERE, below you can find out more about those hardworking pupils, including where they’re off to next. Take a look at some impressive individual stories below:
Holly Beswick – Preston
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 added: “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.”
Harry Gallery – Preston
A career in Corporate Law is potentially on the cards for Harry Gallery, who has achieved A, B, B in his A Levels at Westholme Sixth Form.
Assistant Head Boy Harry, 18, from Preston, achieved an A in Economics, B in Business and B in Politics.
He said: “I was not expecting those results! I was terrified. I have put a lot of work into my studies and I’m proud that I have accomplished great grades.”
The keen rugby player and school sports captain plans to defer his studies at Loughborough University for a year. He aims to get a job before travelling to New Zealand, where he has family, to gain more life experience.
He said: “It will give me more time to make a decision on my future. I want to go into corporate law – that’s what my place at Loughborough is for. It’s a subject I’m really interested in. I did work experience in finance, and they had a commercial law team integrated which really interested me. I looked into law more and that’s what led me to wanting to study it at university.”
Harry has attended Westholme School since Year 7 and said he has made lifelong friends. Some of his highlights include a skiing trip in Year 10 and a trip to New York last year.
Elley Naisbitt – Preston
Twins Elley and Isla Naisbitt have plenty of reasons to celebrate today after achieving fantastic A Level results at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
Westholme Head Girl Elley is going to study Philosophy and Politics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).
She achieved a stunning A*, A*, A in English Literature, Politics and Ethics, Philosophy and Religion (EPR).
The hockey captain said: “I am shocked. I feel like I am in a dream! I was trembling this morning, and I have tried to shut today out of my mind all summer. I am so proud that I have got into my first-choice university.
“I found Politics really interesting. I’m not sure what’s next after university – I’ll just see where the course takes me. There are lots of different routes that I can go down.”
During her time at the school, Elley also ran a human rights charity campaign against fast fashion.
House Captain and Assistant Head of Upper Sixth, Isla, achieved an impressive A, C, C in Drama, History and Psychology.
She said: “I’m really happy. I walked out of the History paper thinking the worst so I’m delighted.
“We’re a big ‘arts’ family. I didn’t study Drama at GCSE but I was encouraged to do it for A Level and I’m so glad I did.”
Both Elley and Isla are big fans of the school productions – having appeared in most of them-and Isla is particularly looking forward to seeing her sister whilst visiting the West End.
Looking to the future, Isla is planning a gap year – including working during the summer before travelling around Europe solo, visiting her brother in Prague, and a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with a friend.
In her spare time, Isla enjoys creating art commissions using acrylic paints and embroidery.
Rowan Orr - Chorley
Rowan Orr has found the perfect formula for success after achieving A*, A*, A*, A in her A Levels.
Rowan, from Chorley, has been at Westholme School for seven years, and studied A Levels in Chemistry, History and Psychology, alongside an EPQ.
She will now go on to study Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology with Research in Industry at the University of Liverpool, with ambitions to build a career in drug design.
Having completed on average 5-6 hours of revision a day in the run-up to results, Rowan said: ”All my hard work and efforts have finally paid off, and I feel ecstatic.”
Throughout her time at Westholme School, Rowan has enjoyed her studies in Chemistry and credits her Chemistry teacher, Mrs Anafi, for her support throughout her studies.
Kordian Strzelecki – Darwen
Kordian Strzelecki is constructing a strong career in Mechanical Engineering as he prepares to study at Imperial College London after achieving four A*s in his A Levels at Westholme Sixth Form.
Speaking from Poland, where he is visiting his family, the delighted teenager said: “I’m ecstatic. I’m speechless. I have worked hard to get these grades. I have put a lot of work in. When you walk out of the exams you don’t know how you did. I tried to do my best – and it worked out!
“My family are all so emotional. There have been lots of screams this morning.”
Kordian, 18, from Darwen, is now looking forward to studying a degree in Mechanical Engineering at Imperial College London after his incredible results in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry – and has his sights on a career as a Mechanical Engineer in the future.
He added: “Imperial College London has a very good reputation for Engineering. I have always liked cars and planes and engines. I’m always taking things apart and putting them back together again. My dad likes to tinker so he has helped me with my passion.”
Kordian joined Westholme School for Sixth Form and has helped to inspire the next generation of younger students by forming an engineering club, sharing presentations and his passion for the subject, and building a remote-control car with students.
He said his highlights of Westholme include Physics trips to University of Lancashire to attend astrophysics lectures.
Grace Smith - Chorley
Grace Smith has secured her place at Oxford after achieving three A*s in her A Levels.
Grace, from Chorley, studied A Levels in Maths, Chemistry and Sociology, and will now go on to study Chemistry at Oxford University, where she'll be joining her older brother, who is currently in his final year studying Maths.
She joined Westholme in Year 7 and has been at the school for seven years, taking on the responsibility of House Captain.
As part of her time at Westholme School, Grace took part in the Chemistry Olympiad, which pushed her beyond the standard curriculum with challenging and unfamiliar problems. She found herself tackling situations she hadn’t encountered before, having to apply her chemistry knowledge in new ways to work through them - an experience that speaks to her love of the subject, as it “lets me delve deeper and explore my curiosity”.
Asked how she felt now her results are in, Grace said: "I am completely caught off guard.
I’ve put in a lot of energy and effort. I always wanted to aim high – which I have."
Lewys Davies, Wigan
Lewys is Oxford-bound after achieving A*, A*, A in his A Levels at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
Lewys, from Wigan, studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics, and is now going on to study Maths at Oxford University.
He joined Westholme in Year 3 and credits Westholme’s Maths Club for sharpening his passion for the subject, and points to physics lecture trips - including one on using physical simulations to model the early universe - as moments that inspired him.
Alongside his studies, Lewys took on sound design for school productions and competed for several years in the school’s LEGO robotics team - which has won something at every competition it has entered.
“It’s improved my problem-solving skills and, more importantly, my ability to communicate ideas with other people in the team.”
Muhammad Adam - Fulwood, Preston
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.”
Zain Sykes, Padiham
Zain Sykes has cracked the code to success after achieving 4 A*s in his A Levels at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
Zain, from Padiham, Burnley, studied A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Computer Science, and will now go on to study Maths and Computer Science at Imperial College London.
He joined Westholme in 2013, and outside of college he enjoys gaming, coding and taking part in Maths competitions, including Ritangle - a national team maths competition for sixth-form students that tests problem-solving, coding and teamwork skills.
Asked how he feels now results are in, Zain said: ”The pressure’s finally gone. Looking at my results now, it feels like all the time I put in has been worth it.”
On his choice of Imperial, he said: “The university is one of the best in the UK for STEM, and that’s what really drew me in. It gives me the best opportunity to continue my education in STEM-related subjects.” Zain has dreams of going on to a career in finance after university.
Megan Taylor – York/Blackburn
Megan Taylor plans to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Sheffield after achieving A*, A*, A, A in her A Levels.
The Assistant Head Girl studied Politics, Geography, Psychology and an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) focused on NATO (the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) at Westholme School. Inspired by a school trip to Parliament, she now hopes to pursue a career in the Civil Service or campaigning after completing her studies.
Megan, originally from York, said: “I was very nervous but relieved when I saw my results. I’m very happy with the results, and very happy for the future.”
She credits Westholme’s careers support, UCAS trips and personal-statement guidance with helping her get there.
She joined Westholme for Sixth Form and says her standout moment was playing the violin in the pit orchestra for Miss Saigon, performing alongside fellow students and professional musicians. She also enjoys playing hockey and has represented the school at netball.
In her role as Assistant Head Girl, Megan has led assemblies on the importance of happiness and welcomed the new Year 7 intake.
“It’s been an amazing opportunity for leadership - helping people come to school and have someone to look up to. I have loved coming to school every day.”
Nikodem Sanecki - Blackburn
Nikodem Sanecki is building a career for the future after achieving A*, A*, A, A in his A Levels at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
He studied Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry, and now plans to study an aerospace engineering degree at the University of Bath.
Nikodem, from Blackburn, joined Westholme in Year 12 and says science practical’s were a highlight of his time in Sixth Form.
“You got to see the theory you learned in class come to life in a physical sense” - including, memorably, an hour spent purifying crystals.
Physics lecture trips to the University of Central Lancashire stretched him beyond the specification, with a lecture on simulating the start of the universe.
He credits Westholme’s smaller class sizes and faster pacing - finishing the A Level content by February half term - with giving him extra time to consolidate.
“Westholme is a place where students are inspired to think big, work hard and make their mark on the world.”
During his time at Westholme, Nikodem also took part in House Debates, arguing the case for banning social media for under-16s, and helped organise Wear It Pink Day to raise breast cancer awareness.
Jake Reed, Chorley
Jake has hit a winning serve after achieving A*, A, B in his A Levels.
Sports-fanatic Jake Reed, from Chorley, studied A Levels in Physical Education, Biology and Physics at Westholme School’s Sixth Form and will now go on to study Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough University.
He said: “Sport has always been part of my life, having taken up a number of sports including hockey, Football and competitive tennis to a high level.”
He joined Westholme School in Year 7 and has attended through to Year 13, taking on the role of Deputy Head Boy.
Between Year 7 and Year 10, he represented Westholme School at tennis and football, and with three other teammates, won a school competition as a team of four in tennis.
Alongside his studies, Jake has done extensive sports coaching across the school – introducing prep pupils to hockey, netball and rugby and supporting younger senior school students.
Reflecting on his time at Westholme School, a particular highlight was a football training trip to Spain in Year 10, training at FC Barcelona’s first-team training centre.
Throughout his studies, Jake volunteered at LRC clinics, helping pupils with physics and biology topics that he himself had once struggled with.
Asked how he feels now his results are in, Jake said: “It’s a "huge relief," describing the feeling as though a weights finally lifted.”
Ayesha Vose – Chorley
Junior GB cyclist and Westholme School Sports Captain Ayesha Vose is celebrating after achieving A, A, C in her A Level results.
Ayesha, 18, from Chorley, is looking forward to studying Law at Loughborough University after receiving the impressive results in Psychology, PE and Maths at Westholme Sixth Form.
Ayesha, who is also House Captain at Westholme, said: “I’m happy with my results. After the exams, the grades are what I expected. I have really enjoyed my subjects – especially Psychology which was really interesting.”
Speaking about her next steps, she said: “I have been thinking my future over the summer. I really want to do something that’s going to make an impact on people. I don’t know what area of Law yet, but there are lots of choices.”
Ayesha, who is on the Great Britain Junior Cycling Team, is looking forward to attending a university so well regarded for sport as well as Law.
As part of her Sports Leadership Award, Ayesha spent two months coaching the Year 5 and 6 hockey team after school, completing a skills booklet alongside the practical coaching to earn the award.
Speaking about her time at Westholme, she said: “I have loved the whole Westholme experience.”
Olivia Ko - Preston
Olivia Ko hopes to tread the boards of the West End after achieving A*, A, B in her A Levels at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
Olivia, from Preston, studied Dance, Drama and Spanish and now plans to study a musical theatre degree at Lane Theatre Arts in Surrey and go on to perform in the
West End.
Olivia joined Westholme in Year 7 and has been at the school for seven years. She said: “When I came to look around, I just fell in love with the school - the first thing I saw was the theatre, and it was the most amazing sight.”
From day one she threw herself into school life: shows, drama clubs, choirs and dance. “My favourite memories are always the shows.”
As Dance Captain, Olivia set up a Dance Scholars club to give serious dancers dedicated time to work on technique and confidence: “I’ve seen the students grow in confidence and enjoying themselves, which is why I love to do it.”
She also took her first steps into choreography by helping with the Prep 6 production of The Lion King. Trips to New York and a Disney performance trip in Year 11 helped build her independence and confidence as a performer.
Simran Limdi – Bolton
Budding Biomedical Scientist Simran Limdi is looking forward to a purposeful career in medicine after being inspired by a family cancer diagnosis.
Simran, 18, from Bolton, is delighted with her B, B, B grades in Biology, Chemistry and Religious Studies at Westholme School’s Sixth Form and is now deciding between studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Manchester or the University of Liverpool.
She said: “A couple of years ago my mum’s mum was diagnosed with ovarian cancer and it really sparked my interest in genetics and immunology – understanding why some people are more susceptible to certain illnesses. That personal experience means I want to learn more about the research aspect.
“I have always been interested in research and finding out about certain drugs and preventative treatments. Since I was a child, I have had an interest in finding out more.”
After her studies, Simran plans to continue her studies, potentially completing a master’s degree and a PhD.
Outside the science lab, Simran is a keen tennis player, performer and Indian classical singer.
During her time at Westholme Sixth Form, she has enjoyed putting her research skills into practice in the Year 12 debating competition and arranging science clubs for younger year groups to share her love of science.
Holly Eccles - Preston
Holly Eccles is launching her career with a sought-after degree apprenticeship inproject 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.”
She thanked her teacher, Mr Zourmand, who ran extra sessions to support her along the way.
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.
Zak Whitbourn - Chorley
It’s lights, camera, action for Zak Whitbourn who has achieved B, B, C in his A Levels at Westholme School’s Sixth Form.
Head Boy Zak, from Chorley, who studied Drama, Dance and English Language, has his sights set on Lancaster University, but he’s taking a year out first to prepare for a final audition for a role as a Hogwarts prefect in a Harry Potter production at Universal Studios parks in Japan and Beijing - a process that has already seen him perform audition monologues in Mandarin and Japanese.
The gap year will give Zak space to develop as a writer, director and producer, as he has already launched his own website reviewing film, theatre and books. He also plans to turn his hand to screenwriting and novellas over the coming months.
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He highlights drama and dance teacher Ms Loudensack, whose industry experience as a director and choreographer has shaped his audition preparation, and careers adviser Mrs Hibbard, who emails opportunities to students every week.
Zak joined Westholme in Year 10 and threw himself into performing arts straight away - auditioning for Fame within his first month and going on to take part in concerts, plays and musicals, including performing in Miss Saigon last November. “Sixth Form’s been a really good opportunity to explore my different interests and discover things about myself I wasn’t aware of, as well as develop confidence,” he says.
Zak has spoken at Open Evenings and promotional events and chaired regular leadership meetings: “It’s given me a lot more confidence in myself to believe that I am capable of doing things, and that I can lead a group of people.”
He credits Westholme’s individual approach to teaching: “You’re not just a number or a name. All your teachers know you, they know what you want to go on to do, andthey understand your individual needs.”