At Cronton, our High Achievers Programme (HAP) boasts an impressive track record, with over 800 offers secured for Russell Group universities in 2024. As the leading 24 institutions in the country, these universities represent the pinnacle of academic excellence.
Our HAP students have consistently demonstrated outstanding potential, earning placements in prestigious destinations such as Oxbridge, esteemed medical schools, lucrative STEM careers, and sought-after law programs.
In addition to academic achievements, the HAP scheme empowers students to explore alternative pathways to success. Through our support, students have gained access to highly competitive degree apprenticeships with renowned industry leaders such as Airbus, Sellafield, and Rolls Royce. These opportunities not only offer invaluable real-world experience but also pave the way for prosperous futures in their chosen fields.
Class of 2024
Students from the Class of 2024 who were part of Cronton’s High Achievers Programme (HAP) have not only achieved outstanding results but also secured places in their dream university courses, marking the first step towards successful careers.
The gifted and talented students from Cronton received over 800 offers from Russell Group universities, a prestigious group of 24 of the UK’s most esteemed institutions.
Lucie Forrest who has progressed onto the University of Oxford this year to study Biology. Lucie achieved an A* in A Level Biology at Cronton, which she studied alongside Chemistry and Psychology A Level as well as the Tomorrow’s Scientist Programme and an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification).
Lucie said, “Attending the University of Oxford has been a personal dream of mine, ever since I had visited at the age of six, and watched the students in their gowns, heading towards their exams. I had stood by the gates of All Souls college and announced proudly to my parents that I was ‘going to Oxford.”
“In the years to come, I’d face numerous challenges to my education, developing a debilitating chronic illness and struggling with my mental health. Despite this, one passion of mine remained constant: I wanted to go to Oxford. While at points of my journey, this dream felt completely unachievable, through a combination of hard work and support from Cronton Sixth Form College, I was able to secure my place at the university.”
“During my time at Cronton, I attended the Tomorrow’s Scientists Programme and completed an EPQ, both of which were important talking points for my application. Specifically, in an interview with Oxford, I was asked about my EPQ. This enabled me to talk about a subject which I was well versed in, at length, which I feel contributed to my acquisition of an offer from the university.”
“At Cronton, I was offered support with the many rewritings of my personal statement, and in the form of mock interviews (both general and subject specific) to ensure that I was sufficently prepared for my interview with Oxford. I was also supported throughout times of stress and my exams, through weekly meetings with the Head of A-levels. This helped me to meet the conditions of my offer to attend oxford.”
“My favourite thing about college was the environment, I found college to be nurturing and encouraging of any potential success, not just in myself, but in my peers also.”
“If I were to give any advice to new students at Cronton, I would tell them to make the most of their time here. It’s important to be able to enjoy the time that you have in sixth form, while seizing as many opportunities as possible.”
At Cronton, HAP students are encouraged to fully engage in the college’s super-curricular and enrichment activities through weekly group sessions and one-to-one meetings. These specialist schemes combined with exceptional teaching, this support helps students achieve their best and inspires them to reach their goals.
An outstanding 33% of students who studied Further Maths A Level achieved an A* and A grades including Jack Darlington who has progressed onto the University of Liverpool to study Mathematics after achieving an A* in Maths and Further Maths and Toby Mellor who has progressed onto Lancaster University to study Physics with Astrophysics after also gaining an A* in Maths and A in Further Maths and an A* in Physics alongside 14% of the class of 2024 who also achieved an A* in Physics. Both Jack and Toby took part in Tomorrow’s Scientist Programme during their time at college with Toby attending the Lucy Cavendish Programme with the University of Oxford through the High Achievers Programme.
Humanities students also excelled this year, with a fantastic 89% of A level Geography students achieving A*-B and 75% of Spanish students achieving A*-B.
Humanities student Katie Kelly has progressed to the University of Liverpool to study Law after achieving an A* in her A Level Law alongside Psychology and Photography A Levels. Katie also took part in the Tomorrow’s Lawyers programme as well as Liverpool Scholars with the University of Liverpool through the High Achievers Programme.
Katie said, “During my time at Cronton I took part in the High Achievers Programme. This programme was crucial in my academic journey, as it provided me with so many opportunities. This included things such as being mentored by university students; being selected as one of three law students nationally to attend an event at Balliol college in Oxford; and most importantly of all, helping me to take part in a programme which led to reduced grade entry and a scholarship award to my top university – the university of Liverpool.”
“Around exams, the tutors were so helpful. My tutors held revision sessions in the holidays, as well as weekly revision sessions and daily drop-ins. It was reassuring to know that there was always support available if I needed it, and that I had people to go to if I was struggling. These sessions really helped me to manage my stress, stay focused, and ultimately achieve the grades I was aiming for. I’m so grateful that I had such supportive tutors who were willing to give up their spare time to help me. Also, I had exam access arrangements which were easy to implement, and it was easy to go and speak to the team about any of my struggles and needs.”
“My favourite thing about my time at college has been the sense of community among students and staff. I have made so many amazing friends at college and have been able to take part in so many amazing experiences. There is so much on offer – especially with college trips, as well as community events such as the Race for Life. I had a fantastic time at college, and I hope that all of the incoming students enjoy it as much as I did.”
“My advice for anyone coming to Cronton would be to make the most of the opportunities available to you. Get involved in extracurricular activities and college events, as they can not only enhance your skills and knowledge but also make your applications stand out. Additionally, don’t hesitate to seek support from teachers or other members of staff when needed, as their guidance can be invaluable, and they are always so reassuring during exams.”
Make the most of your time at college – it goes by so fast, and you don’t realise how much you miss it until you leave. There are times that will be hard, but there are other times that will be so exciting. Take every opportunity you have and enjoy your time at Cronton!”
Talented High Achievers Program student Joe Coogan has progressed to the prestigious London School of Economics to pursue a degree in Sociology, following his achievement of an A* in A Level Sociology, alongside strong results in Economics and Politics.
Joe said, “I feel like college prepared me well both academically but also socially, especially compared to those who went a school sixth form and didn’t have more exposure to more people. But academically, college definitely helped with the challenges uni brings.”
“Before attending open evenings, I thought I wanted to do politics, French and English lit! I only ended up doing politics out of them 3. The open evenings definitely give a great insight into subjects many schools don’t offer like economics, sociology, film, criminology etc. Although it is difficult to narrow subjects down at 15/16 open evenings definitely help!”
“I think this third question highlights what I’m most grateful for at cronton – opportunity. Cronton opened my eyes to these institutions – Oxbridge, LSE and guided me in writing my personal statement, alongside pointing me in the direction of programmes like Sutton trust Cambridge summer schools, numerous Oxford schemes (I was part of 3!!) In addition to the academic side, cronton gave me access to the social mobility foundation, where I had the opportunity to do two weeks work experience in Canary Wharf in year 12 summer, in the field of investment banking- that’s not heard off in Widnes! So those opportunities have opened my eyes to both where I am now, elite unis, and where I hope to get to, amazing industries!”
“The high achievers programme hugely supported me in writing my personal statement and understanding what universities were looking for, which otherwise, wouldn’t have known. Additional support at cronton was vast, teachers marking endless essays, Easter and weekend revision sessions! Weekly Monday sociology revision, which was a huge help! The support of all staff knowing who to go to for what and how accessible support is both academically and pastorally with the programme management office! All of these ensured I was happy and on an upward progressing journey at cronton, always open to help when needed and encouraging to carry on when help wasn’t needed.”
“I genuinely did love college, from the social side, the way lessons were both formal but always more expressive whereby views could be heard – this really enhanced my learning – so honestly I would say my favourite thing was the lessons, I did enjoy all my classes and the teachers made classrooms that happy, relaxed but also academic environment – I loved it!”
“Advice – take every single opportunity given, if you can’t see any opportunities clearly ask! There will definitely be a range of extra curricular, super curricular, career driven opportunities available! Make friends with people who didn’t go to your high school – broaden social circles! Take part in class discussion – although it’s scary it’s so rewarding, it makes content stick In your head! And finally, work hard – make revision resources early so they’re there when you need them! Hard work pays off!!”
