After studying A Levels at Cheshire College – South & West, Hollie Simpson is studying at one of the world’s most prestigious universities — inspiring others to follow in her footsteps.
Building a Community at Oxford
Within Oxford University, I go to Pembroke College, which acts as its own community, like a miniature university. I’m very lucky to have all my best friends within my College as they really help it to feel like home.
The collegiate system at Oxford is probably one of my favourite elements of my learning there, as I’ve gotten to know my tutors on a one-on-one basis. I find that they are always happy to make time to chat and go over anything which I find difficult which is unique. I am very grateful to have the opportunity to build relationships with such intelligent scholars.
How Cheshire College Prepared Me for University
The College’s Future’s Programme got me to where I am today. It’s strange for me to think that if I hadn’t one day had a chance meeting with the University Admissions Co-ordinator in the library that I never would even have applied to university, never mind to Oxford.
Aside from this, though, I do believe that it really is down to the student to seize the opportunities and programmes offered at College and to make the best of them. It’s about being given the space to take initiative before you arrive at university, because that it what it takes to excel there once you get in!
My Course at Cheshire College
I am a bit of an anomaly in that I got into Oxford with 2 A Levels, a BTEC and an EPQ. I did A levels in English Literature and French, a Level 3 Qualification in Music, and I wrote my EPQ on English and French literature.
The facilities at College were great and the staff were always so helpful, ordering in French books for me to read for leisure when I couldn’t find any in the library.
Highlights and Opportunities
I chose Cheshire College because at the time I wanted to pursue music. The music department was so much better than my high school’s sixth form, and I would definitely say that the time I spent performing with my band was one of my top highlights.
I was also asked to sing at the Higher Education Graduation Ceremony in my first year at the College, which was great fun.
I think my biggest opportunity was the Scholars’ Programme – I felt so excited at the prospect of going to Oxford, I knew I wouldn’t be able to let it go.
Enjoying Independence
I’d met new friends, had new teachers and classes, and I just loved being in charge of how I structured my day so much. I think really leaning into being independent at College made the transition into university a lot easier.
Results Day
I think Results Day was my favourite. Feeling so relieved that I’d got my grades and subsequently got my place at Oxford, that I hadn’t let myself down, it was so joyous to go into College and chat to all my teachers who had helped me along the way. The conversations I had with staff throughout my time made me feel so grateful to have ended up at Cheshire College.
Advice for Future Students
Do what you love. If you, like me, look at the subjects you love and wonder ‘well, where will that even take me?’, do them anyway. You’re bound to do better in the discipline if you love it, and even if it won’t lead you to a job, it will lead you to something else you love. Talk to people, get the most you can out of your teachers, and take every opportunity which interests you because you never know where you may end up.
Find out more about A Level programmes at Cheshire College, explore upcoming events, or apply now at www.ccsw.ac.uk.