‘Inspiration’ pupil is school’s first to win place at Cambridge

Leeds West Academy pupil Nathan Hardisty, 18, celebrated yesterday as he secured the grades he needed to go to Churchill College where he will read history.

He is the first A-level student in the school’s four-year history to go to the country’s top-ranked university.

Annette Hall, the executive principal of both Leeds West and Leeds East Academies, which are both sponsored by the E-ACT chain, paid tribute to him.

She said: “He secured the A* he needed in history as part of his offer, another A* in English Literature and two more A grades.

“He is already an inspiration to younger pupils at the school because he has been helping to teach history to our GCSE students.

“Nathan is a really great example of what you can achieve through hard work and perseverance.

“He shows you can get to what I think is the country’s top university regardless of your background.”

She told the Yorkshire Post she hoped his success would help to raise aspirations of other pupils.

He was among 10 students at the academy who have been successful in gaining places at prestigious Russell Group universities – the group of 24 research-led institutions which are considered to be the country’s elite.

Students at another Leeds school also celebrated making history yesterday.

Twins Charlie and Katie Kelleher became the first students from Temple Moor High School to be successful in achieving their offer grades to study medicine.

Last year the pair were both successful in sharing the year 12 Head of School award.