Rebecca studied Chemistry, Biology and English Literature at Truro College, achieving an outstanding A* in all three subjects. Her dedication has led to an exciting next step, as she prepares to begin studying Veterinary Medicine at Cambridge in October. “I’m really excited,” she said. Looking back on her time at college, Rebecca feels she made the right choice, praising both the staff and the supportive environment. “I’m really glad I came to college and all the teachers were really supportive,” she shared. Despite not knowing anyone when she first joined, with most of her friends staying at her school’s sixth form, Rebecca quickly settled in. “I came here not knowing really anyone because I had a sixth form back in my old school. After the first term I made really good friends so it’s definitely possible to make new friends.” Rebecca admits that deciding to come to college wasn’t easy, as many of her school friends stayed on at sixth form. However, she now sees the decision as an important step towards university: “College is a very good transition when you know you’re going to university, it’s quite a good stepping stone,” she explained. Her advice to new students is to focus on both their studies and their social life: “I would say to make sure you keep on top of your work straight away!” With three A*s to her name and a place at Cambridge secured, Rebecca leaves college with confidence in her future and gratitude for the experiences and friendships she gained along the way.

Poppy rose to the challenge of studying four A Levels, in Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, and Physics, achieving A, A*, A* A*. She chose Truro College for the A Level course content and structure, a desire to be able to go further in Maths highlighting Truro College as the best option for her: “I really liked how Maths and Further Maths was structured where I would cover all of A Level Maths in the first year and then all of Further Maths in the second year. I had also come to open evenings and spoken to lecturers about the courses and the Accelerate Programme and it was the best option for me.” The College’s Accelerate Programme is a bespoke programme of study for Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) learners who are academically minded and are aiming for highly competitive places in HE and university. As part of the Accelerate Programme, Poppy took part in the Physics Academy as well as doing an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The EPQ develops students’ study and research skills and allows students to tailor their projects to fit their individual needs, aspirations and choices. The sessions, and support from the students’ tutor, allow students to create a portfolio documenting their research project. Poppy also had classes and weekly sessions with others on the Accelerate Programme. She really enjoyed this aspect, saying: “I liked being in classes with people who are all achieving high and being pushed more by the lectures. I also liked how we got notified about all the opportunities available to us and were encouraged to participate in all we could to make our applications for university even better. “We were also encouraged by our lecturers to enter extra activities and competitions inside our subjects, such as for maths, the Senior Maths Challenge and the Maths Olympiad for Girls.” Poppy has now secured a place to study Engineering at Oxford University. She not only met but surpassed the entry conditions: “I had to get two A*’s and an A, with A*’s in Maths, Physics or Further Maths, and I got 3 A*’s and an A. My teachers were so helpful in me getting these results.” Her advice for new students is both reassuring and encouraging: “Don’t worry, I was quite nervous, I was worried about studying quite male dominated subjects and being the only girl, but everyone was really nice. I think just relax and don’t worry too much. And honestly, work hard, but you can have fun as well!.”

When Sarah arrived in the UK from Afghanistan, she faced the challenge of learning English in a new environment. “When I came here, I didn’t know how to talk English and how to have a conversation with people,” she explained. Sarah joined Truro and Penwith College in 2024, beginning with ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Entry 3. “I started from Entry 3, and then I passed Entry 3, then I went to Level 1 Functional Skills,” she said. Studying at the College gave her the confidence she needed to build her life in Cornwall. “When I came to the College, I got a little confidence, and my teacher is very lovely, and she is very helpful because she always guides me.” Her hard work and determination quickly paid off. After initially taking on work as a lunchtime supervisor and volunteering in her community, Sarah successfully secured a role as a Teaching Assistant at Richard Lander School. “I applied for a Teaching Assistant role at Richard Lander and then they accepted me. I’m very happy and I will miss college,” she said. In her new role, Sarah is beginning by supporting children in small groups. Sarah is also passionate about encouraging others who may be nervous about starting their studies. “Today I saw a girl from Afghanistan… she was so nervous, and she told me, ‘I don’t know what to do and how I start my lessons at college.’ I told her you should be very relaxed and confident; you will get everything from this college. It’s very peaceful and friendly and helpful for all students.” Sarah is grateful for the support she has received at the College and wanted to acknowledge the impact of her tutors: “I really appreciate the College, and they have very nice staff, lovely teachers, especially Syd and Louise… they are very lovely and helpful and kind.”