A record 13 Nelson and Colne College students who have completed its unique Pre-Professional Programme in Medicine are progressing onto coveted courses at top universities.

The lucky 13 are progressing into Dentistry, Medicine or Veterinary Medicine courses at a range of top universities including Russell Group establishments such as Birmingham, Imperial College London, Liverpool and Manchester.

NCC’s Pre-Professional Programmes are unique and career-focused schemes that are taken alongside A Level studies. They are designed to give a student the edge for university applications, in what are quite often extremely competitive and challenging degree and career pathways.

One of those students is former Pendle Vale College star Nabeeah Ahmed, 18, from Nelson, who has wanted to study Medicine ever since doctors supported her to overcome adversity when she couldn’t attend school due to a period of ill health in Year 8 and 9.

Nabeeah is heading off to Imperial College London after achieving A*A*AA in Maths, Psychology, Biology and Chemistry and is grateful to Nelson and Colne College for the support she has received.

Nabeeah said: “I feel amazing! I’m so glad to have got my place at Imperial. I’ve always wanted to be a doctor and to go into Medicine after the help I had from doctors when I was younger, which meant I couldn’t go to school for a while.

“My teachers have been very supportive and have always found time to help me throughout my time at NCC. I really benefited from the workshops, the teaching is the best and I really enjoyed the environment here.

“If I had a top tip for future students, it would be don’t give up! If after your first year things haven’t gone your way, keep focusing and try your best.”

Another former Pendle Vale College student progressing onto study Medicine at university is Ameerah Mehmood, from Nelson, who is off to the University of Leeds after achieving AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.

Ameerah, 18, said: “I’m very happy with my results. I chose to come to Nelson and Colne College as it is a good college on the doorstep. My sister recommended NCC to me and there is lots of support from teachers here. I found the Pre-Professional Programme in Medicine particularly useful.”

Salik Khan, 18, from Brierfield, is heading to the University of Liverpool to study Dentistry after he achieved AAA in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology.

Another former Pendle Vale College student, Salik said: “I’m so happy, but also relieved as well to have achieved my results. The teaching and support I have had at Nelson and Colne College has been exceptional.

“The environment in college generally is friendly, and the classroom environment is great with fantastic, supportive teachers. There is always something new, interesting and different to learn.”

As part of NCC’s Pre-Professional Programmes, students receive a range of opportunities alongside their academic studies to help them build additional skills and experience to stand out from the crowd.

This may include:

  • Presentations from industry experts and specialist speakers
  • Field trips to specialist centres
  • Work experience relevant to their chosen profession
  • Visits to Oxford, Cambridge and Russell Group universities
  • Individual mentoring and coaching
  • Support in their university application
  • Specialist interview preparation

In its 2017/18 results, NCC achieved a 99% pass rate at A Level and a 100% pass rate in advanced vocational courses.

The college is top in the country for 16-18 learner achievement at all levels, and number one in the country for A Levels, based on progress scores.

For more information on NCC visit www.nelson.ac.uk or contact the Admissions Team on 01282 440272.