Busy open evening

A chance to study in a supportive, friendly, academic environment was Toll Bar Sixth Form's offer at a busy Open Evening.

The annual event was a chance for Year 11 students and their families to explore options beyond next summer's GCSEs.

Head of Sixth Form Chrissie Hook told them it had a "distinctive offer".

"We are a specialist provider of academic courses, largely A-levels," she said.

"We have a close-knit community of like-minded students and we provide exceptional levels of support and guidance.

"Our team helps aspirational students access their first-choice destination."

A high percentage of students achieved just that during the summer, she said.

"We treat students as independent young adults in a well-equipped environment, which includes their own café.

"Enhanced learning opportunities include work experience, trips abroad and university visits."

External partners, on hand to discuss career paths, included The Elephant Group, which aims to ensure academically talented non-selective state school students are supported to access the UK's leading universities.

Lynsey McCabe, from the organisation, valued its partnership with the sixth form.

"The night's been really good," she said. "A lot of Year 11 students have been clear on where they want to go to.

"There's been a lot of interest in how we can support applications to Oxford and Cambridge, which demonstrates the aspiration of these young people.

"It's a great relationship we have with this sixth form."

One student set to benefit is Avesta Ahmed, who has started Year 12 and was one of more than 50 volunteer ambassadors at the event keen to talk about their sixth form experience.

A former Waltham Toll Bar Academy student, she is studying Biology, Chemistry and Maths at A-level.

"I want to read Pharmacy at university and be a pharmacist," she said.

"It's a small environment here and I have found it easy to settle and get used to. The teachers have been really supportive."

Current Year 11 student Lucy Sowter spoke to representatives from global industrial giant Tronox, which produces titanium dioxide pigment at its Stallingborough plant.

She is hoping to study Biology, Chemistry and Law at A-level and was looking at a career as a chemical engineer.

"It's a good night and it's been interesting to look at what opportunities are available," she said.

On the stand was Triston Parsons, who completed his GCSEs at Toll Bar in the summer and was one of nine apprentices taken on by the firm earlier this month.

"I spoke to Tronox this time last year, applied and started as an IT apprentice," he said. "It's going great and it's amazing to think I was here a few months ago. But I'm loving it."

The firm's Learning and Development Lead Steve Gabbitas said it had built a successful relationship with Toll Bar, with a number of apprentices, like Triston, formerly at the school.

"We can offer all sorts of options, including university degree apprenticeships, and this serves as a great chance to discuss them with students," he said.

Freddie Chappel attended with father Nick and said it had been a "wonderful night".

"It does feel like a family here and it's nice to see former students and teachers together," he said.

Nick said: "I've been really impressed. It's been well organised and students and staff have been really helpful and accommodating."

Chris Wright had brought his daughter Holly, a student at Louth's King Edward VI Grammar School.

"The staff have been enthusiastic, motivated and very knowledgeable about their subjects," he said.

"It's the same with the students. They are keen and clearly enjoy learning here and are wanting to share that enthusiasm with visitors."

Principal Nigel Whittle said it had been a successful night.

"We have had more visitors than past years," he said. "I am proud that we offer young people a sixth form and are able to support them from 11 to 18.

"Sixth form students do exceptionally well here but, most of all, are happy. For those who transfer from the school, they have the opportunity to stay but experience something different.

"We are also delighted to welcome young people who have not studied at Waltham Toll Bar. They soon settle in a supportive, friendly community and do well."

He thanked partners for attending the event. As well as The Elephant Group and Tronox, these included the University of Lincoln, University Centre Grimsby, Bishop Grosseteste University, the University of Hull and apprentice providers CATCH and HETA.

Waltham Toll Bar Academy student Lucy Sowter with mum Claire at the Tronox stand at the Open Evening. Former student Triston Parsons is second left with Tronox colleagues Engineering Competency Coordinator Michael Jackson (left), Learning and Development Lead Steve Gabbitas and first year technical apprentice Mia Waters.