Two years ago, Elin Onions was in limbo after suffering a setback in her academic career.
But after joining Loughborough College, the 19-year-old has smashed her A levels and is now set to embark on a degree apprenticeship with Raytheon UK.
Elin, of Groby, secured A levels in Psychology (A), History (A), Sociology (A) and an Extended Project Qualification (B).
“I can’t believe it. It has been very emotional today,” said Elin. “I was in shock when I saw my results. It’s been crazy these last few months, but getting my results this morning has made it all worthwhile.”
She will swap working in her local pub for the futuristic Raytheon offices on Monday where she will train to be a project manager over the next four years.
But she says she couldn’t have done it without the support of Loughborough College.
“I wouldn’t have got As without the teachers at Loughborough,” Elin said. “They don’t just help and support you, they inspire you to ask questions and build your confidence so you’re ready to tackle anything.
“It’s such a friendly environment and they want you to fulfill your potential. You also get a lot fitter from climbing all the stairs!
“I had a bad experience at another college and wanted a fresh start and wanted to succeed. I left my college after the first year. I spent all summer wondering what I should do and I decided I wanted to do A levels. Loughborough College helped me achieve that.”
Jo Maher is Loughborough College’s CEO and Principal. She said: “We are so proud of Elin. She is living proof of what can be achieved when you have the determination to succeed.
“Our staff are completely focused on our students and we pride ourselves in helping shape the futures of young people. We could not be happier to see Elin launch her career with such a massive company.
“It’s been a very strange few months and today the whole college is celebrating the achievements of all our academic and vocational students and focusing on supporting them with the next steps in their careers.”
The college recorded a 96% pass rate for A levels, a 1% increase in A*-A grades with a further 3% increase in students securing the highest grades, A*-C.
A total of 807 students received A level results, an increase of more than 200 from the previous year.