The Duston School

'I completed my A-levels at The Duston School Sixth Form in 2022, achieving A*, A, A in Maths, Physics, and Art respectively. I then went on to study Architecture at Cambridge. The support I received from the staff throughout the university application and interview process was unparalleled, and I would thoroughly recommend The Duston Sixth Form to anyone hoping to follow a similar academic path.

3rd year at Cambridge University studying architecture.

Despite the lockdowns and general chaos during the pandemic, I had a really positive experience at TDS Sixth Form. I was encouraged to get involved, take on responsibility, and keep pushing myself, even during a difficult period. Looking back, the support I got at TDS was what gave me the confidence to aim for a career in medical research.

I’ve since graduated from the University of Sheffield with a first-class degree in Biomedical Science and now work as a Research Associate Scientist in medical research.

I look back on my time at The Duston School very fondly and really valued the support I received throughout. The encouragement from staff helped build my confidence, while the friendships I made my experience all the more special.

I am not studying Clinical Sciences at the University of Leicester, and currently on a placement at ViiV Healthcare, supporting global conferences on HIV and AIDS. I'm very grateful for the foundation the school gave me.

I left TDS Sixth Form in 2021 having studied Maths, Further Maths and Physics, before going onto a degree apprenticeship with Forvis Mazars — a global top 10 professional services firm. This journey all started with the support of TDS Sixth Form and it’s amazing teachers.

Over four years I qualified as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant while working in audit, and I’ve now progressed into an Assistant Manager role in our Deals & Financing division, providing Financial Due Diligence services to clients.

The biggest attribute I developed from sixth from at TDS is confidence. The teachers around me and the roles I was able to undertake allowed me to develop my public speaking and solidify my verbal reasoning. This was a key aspect of me getting into my dream university.

I am currently in my final year studying chemistry and am developing small molecules to treat Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy in Prof. Angela Russell's group.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the Duston School’s Sixth form - its immensely supportive culture and ambition in helping all students succeed is undeniable. The outstanding level of teaching in such a collaborative and welcoming environment is something I value to this day. Having studied Maths, Biology and History at TDS between 2022-2024, I am now in my second year at Durham University reading Law.

I hope to complete my legal qualifications and become a practising solicitor.

The Duston School Sixth Form is sure to facilitate academic success no matter the individual. From whichever subjects you decide to undertake and from wherever your wider career ambitions currently lie, there is an invaluable support network in place to ensure you end your two years in the best position tailored to you. I reflect on this as someone who was able to reach the very top of my potential, made possible only by the engaging and motivating learning coupled with teachers who dedicate their time and passion to guaranteeing every success on an individual basis.

This culminated in me achieving my dream of securing a Degree Apprenticeship where I now see this success be realised, working on software projects which shape the Defence sector every day.

My experience at TDS Sixth Form was shaped by incredibly supportive teachers and great friendships, and it helped set me on a path I would never have imagined for myself. I gained a lot of confidence, both academically and personally, which has allowed me to pursue many opportunities beyond sixth form.

Now, as I continue my studies towards a PhD, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be where I am today without the foundation I built there.