When Erin joined Ludlow Sixth Form College, she chose a combination of subjects that reflected both her interests and ambition: A Level Biology, English Literature and Psychology.
“It’s a really good mix,” she explains. “I love all of them. They actually go quite well together, psychology kind of ties biology and English together.”
Now in her second year, Erin has already secured all five of her university offers to study Biological Sciences, with the University of Warwick as her top choice. She also holds offers from Cardiff University, Keele University, University of Chester and Bangor University.
Erin lives in a rural area between Clee Hill and Ludlow and initially considered other options further afield. However, after attending an open day with her family (including her dad, who had previously studied at the college!), the decision became clear.
“We just liked it more,” she says. “It had changed loads, and it felt right.”
That sense of belonging has been important. Coming from a very small primary school and then a relatively settled friendship group at secondary school, college allowed Erin to enjoy meeting new people.
“I’ve made so many more friends,” she says. “I’ve met loads of people I didn’t really know before.”
She values the size of the college and the strong sense of community. “I feel like I know everybody to some extent,” she explains. “And the staff really know you as well.”
College Support
Erin has made the most of the support available to her, particularly during the university application process.
In her first year, she attended a large UCAS discovery event, where multiple universities were present, helping her explore her options and refine her ambitions. Back at college, she worked closely with her tutors on her personal statement.
She sought subject-specific guidance from her biology tutor, support with grammar and structure from her English tutor, and broader guidance from her personal tutor. “They were really helpful,” she says. “Not just in lessons, I can email them and they’ll help with anything, whether it’s about the course or something like personal statements.”
This wraparound support has played a key role in her successful applications.
Beyond the classroom, Erin has fully embraced college life.
In her first year, she joined the netball team, stepping outside her comfort zone as a dedicated volleyball player. “I really enjoyed it,” she says. “The team was great.”
She also became involved in enrichment activities, including helping to organise the college’s Summer Fest as part of the high achievers’ programme. From contacting businesses to help arrange food for the event to working behind the scenes with friends, she describes the experience as a real highlight.
“That was really fun,” she says. “Organising it was great.”
Erin is also a Student Ambassador, regularly supporting open events and helping prospective students feel welcome. “It’s really nice to be part of that group,” she explains.
Personal Interests
Alongside her academic success, Erin competes at an impressive level in volleyball, playing Division Two in the National League. With training three times a week and regular weekend matches, sometimes midweek fixtures too! She balances a demanding sporting schedule with her A Level studies.
Her choice of college was partly influenced by this commitment. The location and timetable flexibility have allowed her to pursue both her academic ambitions and her sporting career without compromise.
“It’s important to have that balance,” she reflects.
Advice for Future Students
Looking back on her two years at Ludlow, Erin’s advice to current Year 11 students is simple.
“Just pick what you enjoy. There’s no point choosing something for two years if you’re not going to enjoy it, you spend a lot of time at college and need to work hard.”
With exams approaching, she admits she spends a significant amount of time revising. But because she genuinely enjoys her subjects, that work feels purposeful.
“If I didn’t enjoy them, I wouldn’t be motivated to revise.”
As Erin prepares for the next chapter at university, she leaves college not only with strong grades ahead of her, but with friendships, experiences and independence that will stay with her long after results day.
Find out more about A Level Biology: HERE
Find out more about A Level English Language: HERE
Find out more about A Level Psychology: HERE