Case Studies
Case Study
Chris Cook
Chris Cook's remarkable journey from Nelson & Colne College to a thriving career as a marketing consultant in London serves as a compelling testament to the transformative power of education and community. Reflecting on his time at Nelson & Colne, Chris recalls: "For me, it was a transformative experience. Coming from a traditional all boys' school, Nelson & Colne College opened up a whole new world of opportunities and possibilities." The college's diverse curriculum and supportive environment provided Chris with the platform to explore his passions and expand his horizons beyond the confines of his previous educational experiences. Nelson & Colne College offered Chris a breadth of subjects and a level of freedom that ignited his intellectual curiosity and fueled his ambition. "The choice of subjects available was vast, much greater than what was on offer to me at my school’s sixth form, and I was able to study subjects I wanted to and found interesting." From economics to business studies to history, Chris found himself in a stimulating academic environment that encouraged independent thinking and personal growth. Beyond studying, Nelson & Colne College offered Chris a great social circle where he forged lasting friendships and discovered new passions. "For me, I kind of felt like I turned into an adult at Nelson & Colne College. Coming from school, the transition to college life was liberating. “I found my tribe at Nelson and Colne. Within a few months, I was in a band and learning the guitar and made friends for life,” he asserts, emphasising the sense of belonging and friendships that defined his college experience. The supportive network of lecturers and mentors at Nelson & Colne played a pivotal role in Chris's journey, providing guidance, encouragement, and inspiration along the way. "All of my lecturers were brilliant in their own way and had a massive positive effect on me." Chris says of his time at Nelson & Colne: "My experience at Nelson and Colne laid the foundation for my career I suppose in that it gave me the confidence to try new things to expand my horizons and it instilled in me a passion for lifelong learning and growth. “We were encouraged to think big and not be restricted to what we wanted to achieve – and that was really good to hear as a 17-year-old." Today, Chris is a successful marketing consultant based in London. Reflecting on his career trajectory, he said: "I've done a lot of different things, ranging from PR to heading communications in a Russian telecom company, and standing next to Putin, to founding a marketing agency focused on Russia. But it all started at Nelson & Colne College.” His journey is a testament to the power of finding your tribe and thriving amidst life's myriad possibilities.
Case Study
Niamh Ward
School: Marsden Heights Community College Achieved: A*A*A* in English Language, English Literature, and Media Studies Where next? Studying English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford
Case Study
Rimsha Khalid
"The Pre-Professional Programme in Medicine was a great help in securing my university place at Newcastle. I know other colleges do not offer the Pre-Professional Programmes, but the Medicine programme is invaluable" Rimsha Khalid Studying Dentistry at Newcastle University
Case Study
Alexandra Mitchell-Males
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: AAA in English Literature, History and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
- Where next? Studying English Language and Literature at the University of Oxford
Case Study
Nabeeah Ahmed
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: A*A*AA in Maths, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry
- Where next? Studying Medicine at Imperial College London
Case Study
Ishaq Akbar
- School: Sir John Thursby Community College
- Achieved: A*AA in Maths, Further Maths and Physics
- Where next? Studying Maths at University College London
Case Study
Ameerah Mehmood
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology
- Where next? Studying Medicine at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Ali Amad
- School: Marsden Heights Community College
- Achieved: A*AA in Maths, Sociology and Business
- Where next? Studying Maths at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Hannah Marshall
- School: Colne Primet Academy
- Achieved: AABB in Maths, Physics, Further Maths and Computer Science
- Where next? Studying Physics with Medical Applications at Queen’s University Belfast
Case Study
Umar Ashraf
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: A*A*A in Maths, Business and Chemistry
- Where next? Studying Accounting and Finance at the University of Manchester
Case Study
Bethanie Reeves
- School: West Craven High School
- Achieved: A*A*B in Government and Politics, Sociology and History
- Where next? Studying International Relations at Durham University
Case Study
Harry Smales
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: A*AB in Maths, Further Maths and Physics
- Where next? Studying Maths at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Tullia Emmanuel
- School: Bowland High
- Achieved: AAB in Biology, Maths and Chemistry
- Where next? Studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham
Case Study
Molly Stone
- School: Colne Primet Academy
- Achieved: AAB in Biology, Maths and Chemistry
- Where next? Studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham
Case Study
Adam Livesey
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: AAB in History, Sociology and Government and Politics
- Where next? Studying Politics at the University of Sheffield
Case Study
Happiness Mpofu
- School: St Wilfrid’s CE Academy, Blackburn
- Achieved: AAB in Business, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion and Government and Politics
- Where next? Studying Policy, Politics and Economics at the University of Birmingham
Case Study
Mujtaba Ali
- School: Marsden Heights Community College
- Achieved: A*AB in Sociology, English Language and Media Studies
- Where next? Gap year before studying Journalism at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Saleem Iqbal
- School: Colne Primet Academy
- Achieved: A*AA in Business, Criminology and Sociology
- Where next? Studying Economics at the University of Bradford
Case Study
Ella Mitchell
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: A*AA in Sociology, Maths and Philosophy, Ethics and Religion
- Where next? Gap year before pursuing a career in teaching
Case Study
Uzma Iqbal
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: AAB in English Language, Psychology and English Literature
- Where next? Studying Psychology at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Hasana Mirza
- School: Marsden Heights Community College
- Achieved: AAB in Biology, Psychology and Chemistry
- Where next? Studying Biomedical Science at Lancaster University
Case Study
Farzeen Shahzad
- School: Bradford - out of county
- Achieved: A*BB in Government and Politics, Philosophy, Ethics and Religion and Sociology
- Where next? Studying Philosophy, Theology and Ethics at King’s College London
Case Study
Olivia Lord
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: AAA in Business, English Language and Maths
- Where next? Studying Business and Economics at Edge Hill University
Case Study
Harry Ormerod
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: AAB in Business, Maths and Physics
- Where next? Studying Maths and Physics at Loughborough University
Case Study
Faye Hartley
- School: St Christopher’s CE High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Business
- Where next? A Degree Apprenticeship in Merchandising at Florence and Fred
Case Study
James Osborne
- School: Ribblesdale High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Business
- Where next? A Degree Apprenticeship in Management at Morrisons
Case Study
Ali Waris
- School: Marsden Heights Community College
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Business
- Where next? Studying Management at the University of Leeds
Case Study
Sabiha Patel
- School: Bowland High
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in BTEC Level 3 ICT and A* in A Level Graphic Design
- Where next? Studying Computer Science at Lancaster University
Case Study
Amy Whalley
- School: St Christopher’s CE High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Art and Design
- Where next? Studying Textiles Innovation and Design at Loughborough University
Case Study
Sophie Holgate
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Engineering
- Where next? An Apprenticeship at Bright Engineering
Case Study
Chelsea Eyre
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Health and Social Work Professions
- Where next? Studying Mental Health Nursing at the University of Cumbria
Case Study
Tomasz Stefanczuk
- School: Pendle Vale College
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Digital
- Where next? Studying Games Design at Staffordshire University
Case Study
Samuel Cowell
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Science (Forensic)
- Where next? Studying Microbiology at Aberystwyth University
Case Study
Safiyah Ahmed
School: Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School Achieved: Diploma in Childcare Where next? Studying Natural Early Childhood Development at Coventry University
Case Study
Thomas Fewster
- School: St Christopher’s CE High School
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Uniformed Services
- Where next? Studying Policing and Criminal Investigation at the University of Central Lancashire
Case Study
Ridwan Sanni
- School: Albion Academy, Salford
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in the Burnley FC Shadow Youth Team
- Where next? Studying Sports Therapy at the University of Central Lancashire
Case Study
Samah Ahmed
- School: Sir John Thursby Community College
- Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Science (Medical)
- Where next? Studying Biomedicine at Lancaster University
Case Study
Elise Munroe
- School: Colne Park High School
- Achieved: Diploma in Hair and Media Make-Up
- Where next? Employment at Laura Nazir Studio, Nelson
Case Study
Curtis Woods-Warburton – Apprenticeship in Catering
Former pupil of Hameldon Community College. Now doing an Apprenticeship in Hospitality and Supervisory at Burnley Campus.
Case Study
Hamza Rashid – Apprenticeship in Business Administration
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved a Business Administration Apprenticeship. Now working at Calico Housing Group.
Case Study
Luke Parkinson – Apprenticeship in Sport and Leisure
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved a Leisure and Sport Apprenticeship. Now a Fitness Professional at Pendle Leisure Trust.
Case Study
Marta Miziur
School: Colne Primet Academy
Achieved: Diploma in Professional Cookery
Where next? Employment at Grassington House, North Yorkshire
Case Study
Harry Pate
School: Blessed Trinity RC College
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in the Burnley FC Shadow Squad Programme
Where next? Disability Development Coach with Burnley FC in the Community
Case Study
Alice Lonsdale
School: Park High School
Achieved: Double Distinction* and Distinction in Art and Design
Where next? Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at Nelson and Colne College
Case Study
Ahsan Ali
School: Pendle Vale College
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Engineering
Where next? Studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Central Lancashire
Case Study
Jessica Bracewell
School: Sir John Thursby Community College
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Public Services
Where next? Studying Policing Studies and Forensic Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University
Case Study
Caitlin Scarlett
School: West Craven High School
Achieved: Diploma in Hairdressing
Where next? Studying Specialist Hair and Media Make-Up at University College Birmingham
Case Study
Tyron Tuzara
School: Blessed Trinity RC College
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Games Programming and Software Development
Where next? Studying Game Art at Staffordshire University
Case Study
Fiona-Rose Brotherton
School: Skipton Girls' High School
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Health and Social Care
Where next? Studying Midwifery at the University of East Anglia
Case Study
John Nelson
School: West Craven High School
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Business
Where next? Apprenticeship at Skipton Building Society
Case Study
Leah Hillman
School: Park High School
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Sport and Exercise Sciences
Where next? Studying Sport and Exercise Psychology at Loughborough University
Case Study
Bradley Edwards
School: Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School
Achieved: Triple Distinction* in Applied Science (Forensic)
Where next? Studying Forensic Science at the University of Central Lancashire
Case Study
Aneesa Ashraf
School: Pendle Vale College
Achieved: A*AB in Maths, Biology and Chemistry
Where next? Studying Optometry at the University of Bradford
Case Study
Sophie Ainsworth
School: Bowland High School
Achieved: A*AB in English Literature, Film Studies and History
Where next? Durham University to study English Literature
Case Study
Tom McGoldrick
School: Ribblesdale High School
Achieved: A*A*A in Graphic Design, Photography and Media Studies
Where next? Studying Filmmaking at Leeds Beckett University
Case Study
Samiha Hussain
School: Colne Primet Academy
Achieved: A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology
Where next? Studying Medicine at the University of Liverpool
Case Study
Madison Hoyles
School: Skipton Girls' High School
Achieved: AAAB in English Literature, Government and Politics, Law and History
Where next? Studying History at the University of Warwick
Case Study
Daniel Walker
School: Park High School
Achieved: AAA in Maths, Further Maths and Computer Science
Where next? Studying Computer Science at the University of York
Case Study
Sally Ralphson
School: Westholme School
Achieved: A*AA in Sociology, Biology and Religious Studies
Where next? Studying Psychology at the University of Nottingham
Case Study
Tahmeena Amin
School: Marsden Heights Community College
Achieved: A*AA in Biology, Chemistry and Maths
Where next? Studying Medicine at the University of Manchester
Case Study
Claudia Aggett
School: St Christopher's CE High School
Achieved: A*A*A in Graphic Design, Photography and Geology
Where next? Studying Graphic Design at Falmouth University
Case Study
Ateeq Jamil
School: Sir John Thursby Community College
Achieved: A*A*A* in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology
Where next? Studying Medicine and Surgery at Lancaster University
Case Study
Oliver Robertson
School: West Craven High School
Achieved: A*A*A* in Chemistry, Maths and Physics
Where next? Studying Physics at the University of Manchester
Case Study
Jamaal Iqbal
School: Ss John Fisher and Thomas More RC High School
Achieved: A*A*A in Drama and Theatre Studies, English Language and English Literature
Where next? Studying Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester
Case Study
Anna Stephenson
School: Park High School
Achieved: A*AA in English, French and History
Where next? Studying Modern and Medieval Languages at the University of Cambridge
Case Study
Paige Ramsden
School: Sir John Thursby Community College
Achieved: A*AA in Maths, Physics and Psychology
Where next? Studying Physics and Astrophysics at the University of Birmingham
Case Study
Joshua Foulds
School: Park High School
Achieved: A*A*A*A in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry
Where next? Studying Natural Sciences at the University of York
Case Study
Thomas Marchant – Apprenticeship in Engineering
Former pupil of St Christophers CE High School. Achieved a Level 2 in Engineering. Now doing a Level 3 Engineering Apprenticeship at Pendle Engineering.
Case Study
Steph Almond – Access to HE Diploma in Health Science Professions (Adult)
Gained Distinctions in Access to HE Diploma in Health Science Professions. Since leaving Steph started a new job as a maternity support worker at Airedale Hospital, before beginning a Birth and Beyond course at the University of Worcester.
Case Study
Sarah Ahmed – BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science
Former pupil of West Craven High School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Level 3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science. Now reading Pharmacy at University of Central Lancashire.
Case Study
Hashaam Khan – A Level Maths, Physics and Chemistry
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved A*, A*, A* in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Now reading Maths and Physics at the University of Manchester.
Case Study
Holly Mayor – A Level Chemistry, Biology and Maths
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved A, A, B in Chemistry, Biology and Maths. Now reading Biomedical Science at Newcastle University.
Case Study
Charlotte Frost – Business (Vocational)
Former pupil of West Craven High School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Business. Now reading Law at the University of York.
Case Study
Kate Whitaker – A Level English Literature, History and English Language
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A*, and A in English Literature, History and English Language. Now reading English at the University of York.
Case Study
Lydia Thompson – A Level Maths, Biology and Chemistry
Former pupil of Bowland High. Achieved A*, A, A in Maths, Biology and Chemistry. Now reading Biochemistry at King’s College London.
Case Study
Charles Choyce – A Level Mathematics
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A*, A*, A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Now reading Maths at the University of Warwick.
Case Study
Zameer Ejaz – Networking and Systems Support (Vocational)
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Networking and Systems Support. Now reading Computer Science at the University of Leicester.
Case Study
Zahra Waris – Apprenticeship in Childcare
Former pupil of Marsden Heights Community College. Achieved a Level 2 certificate in Early Years, Education and Care. Now doing an apprenticeship at Barrowford Pre-School Nursery.
Case Study
Syed Hassan – A Level Maths, Chemistry and Biology
Former pupil of Marsden Heights Community College. Achieved A,A,A in Maths, Chemistry and Biology. Now reading Pharmacy at the University of Manchester.
Case Study
Kadi-Leigh Greenwood – Public Services (Vocational)
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Public Services. Now reading Policing and Criminal Investigation at the University of Central Lancashire.
Case Study
Amy Crawshaw – Mechanical Engineering (Vocational)
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Extended Diploma in Mechanical Engineering. Now reading Mechanical Engineering at the University of Leeds.
Case Study
Shaughna Anderson – Science (Vocational)
Former pupil of Our Lady and St John Catholic College, Blackburn. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Science. Now reading a Masters in Chemistry at the University of Central Lancashire.
Case Study
Shamsa Kanwal – A Level Psychology, Sociology and Business
Former pupil of Marsden Heights Community College. Achieved A*, A, B in Psychology, Sociology and Business. Now reading Business Management at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Case Study
Rebecca Leaver – Health and Social Care (Vocational)
Former pupil of SS John Fisher & Thomas More RC High School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Health and Social Care. Now reading Nursing at the University of Salford.
Case Study
Phillip Tetley – Mechanical Engineering (Vocational)
Former pupil of The Skipton Academy (Aireville High School). Achieved Triple Distinction* in Mechanical Engineering. Now secured a full-time job at Keighley Laboratories Ltd.
Case Study
Joseph Kouadio – Burnley FC Shadow Squad (Vocational)
Former pupil of Moorland School. Former student of the Burnly FC Shadow Squad programme. Secured a place on the prestigious Nike Academy and pre-season training with Huddersfield Town FC.
Case Study
Marta Miziur – Catering (Vocational)
Former pupil of Colne Primet Academy. Achieved an NVQ Level 3 in Professional Cookery. Now working for Grassington House, in North Yorkshire.
Case Study
Amy Finn – Creative and Digital Design (Vocational)
Former pupil of Ribblesdale County Secondary School. Achieved Triple Distinction* in Creative and Digital Design. Taking a gap year before progressing to the University of Central Lancashire to read Photography.
Case Study
Anisha Javed – A Level Biology, Psychology and Sociology
Former pupil of Ghausia Girls’ School. Achieved A,A,B in Biology, Psychology and Sociology. Now reading Adult Nursing at the University of Central Lancashire.
Case Study
Matthew Smith – A Level Maths and Computing
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A, A in Maths, Further Maths and Computing. Now reading Computer Games Programming (with industrial placement) at the University of Derby.
Case Study
Liam Evans – A Level Maths and Chemistry
Former pupil of Colne Primet Academy. Achieved A*, A*, A in Maths, Further Maths and Chemistry. Now reading Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester.
Case Study
Bethan Selway – A Level English Literature, Psychology and Sociology
Former pupil of Unity College. Achieved A*, A, A in English Literature, Psychology and Sociology. Now reading Psychology at the University of York.
Case Study
Kelly Cheng – A Level Maths and Science
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A*, A*, A in Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry. Now reading Medicine at the University of Bristol.
Case Study
Emily Cox – A Level English Literature
Former pupil of West Craven High School. Achieved A*, A, B, B in Psychology, Creative Writing, English Literature and Theatre Studies. Now reading English Literature and Classics at the University of Edinburgh.
Case Study
Dawud Afzal – A Level Maths and Sciences
Former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Achieved A*, A*, A in Biology, Maths and Chemistry. Now reading Medicine at the University of Cambridge.
Case Study
Sam Bolton – A Level Maths and Sciences
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A*, A*, A* in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Now reading Maths at the University of Warwick.
Case Study
Lotte Gleeson – A Level Maths and Sciences
Former pupil of Colne Park High School. Achieved A*, A*, A*, A in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry and Physics. Now reading Physics at the University of Oxford.
