Our Pre-Professional Programme for Medicine (Pre-med) students are proving they have what it takes to become the next generation of medical professionals, with an increasing number gaining offers to study on competitive medical related degree programmes including Medicine and Dentistry.

Students on Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form specialist pre-Professional Programme for Medicine (Pre-med) are proving they have what it takes to become the next generation of medical professionals, with an increasing number of students gaining offers to study on competitive medical related degree programmes including Medicine and Dentistry.

Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form has an enviable reputation for excellence in the sciences and is a nationally recognised STEM Assured Centre. With highly trained and experienced staff, many of whom are examiners and scientists in their own right; the College is well placed to teach the next generation of health professionals. The College has also developed and perfected its unique pre-professional programme for medicine (Pre Med). This exciting and challenging extra-curricular course, offered in addition to a student’s regular studies, provides extra support and guidance for those who want to apply to highly competitive degree programmes such as medicine, veterinary sciences and dentistry.

Pre-Med Co-ordinator Brenda Rowan said, “Gaining a place at university for Medicine and Dentistry is a huge challenge. Nationally, only 40% of first time applicants gain a place straight from school or college. Not only do students have to be academic high flyers gaining top A level grades, but they also have to demonstrate a wide range of skills including leadership, the ability to solve problems and of course a caring and generous personality. We are delighted that this year we have five students who will progress to medical and dental schools in Manchester, Newcastle, York, Sheffield and Birmingham. All of these students were active participants in our Pre-Med group and acted on the advice and guidance available to them. We look forward to continuing our link with them as they help to mentor current students with the same aspirations.”

This year, Jack Buchanan, who is a former student of St Christopher’s CE High School will go to the York Medical School to read Medicine, after achieving 3 As at A Level. Amy Kitchen, a former student of Ss John Fisher and Thomas More Catholic Humanities College will also read Medicine, at the University of Manchester after gaining 1 A* and 2 As, in addition to completing an Extended Project Qualification entitled Palliative Care in a Hospice.

Further to this, three students are off to read Dentistry after gaining outstanding results. Zohaib Zaman who is a former pupil of Marsden Heights Community College will study at the University of Sheffield after achieving 3 As. Andleeb Shah will study at Newcastle University, after gaining 1 A* and 2 As, plus completion of an Extended Project Qualification entitled “Is the use of mercury in amalgam fillings harmful to health?”. She is a former pupil of Pendle Vale College. Her fellow classmate Maria Khan, also from Pendle Vale College will study at the University of Sheffield after gaining 3 As.

Amy Kitchen said, “The teaching at Nelson and Colne College is brilliant and support for personal goals begins from the moment you arrive. It was easy to build a strong relationship with my tutors and I feel like I have been supported to achieve my ambitions.”