Students grab top grades

Alex Powell, 21, and Maxine Watkins, 43, of Kidderminster, Hannah Ford, 21, of Far Forest and Rosie Stanton, 21, of Stourport, all achieved first class honours degrees at the University of Worcester.

Maxine Watkins, who took a career break to raise her three children before returning to education, said: “My passion to study psychology was sparked again when I returned to work as a teaching assistant, supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at the University of Worcester. I have met people who I believe will be friends for life and it has been lovely to mix with the young students who work so hard.

“The fact that I have achieved a first has given me the confidence to continue with education and I will be returning to Worcester in October to embark on a PhD in education studies, which I am very excited about.”

Rosie Stanton, who studied primary initial teacher education, added: "I am very proud of my achievement. I have enjoyed my time at university and my course was brilliant.

Business psychology student Hannah Ford described her grade as "a complete shock" after a "nerve-wracking wait for my results", while former King Charles I pupil Alex Powell stated he was "very pleased" with his first because he has "always been ambitious and determined to do the very best possible".

Professor David Green, vice chancellor of the University of Worcester, said: “This year,over 250 of our students earned first class honours.

“This is a tribute to their hard work and talent, together with the university’s ability to help students thrive.

“This record number of graduates with firsts underlines the value of a University of Worcester education, as does the fact that so many of our graduates are being snapped up by employers on graduation.

“Fifteen out of 16 of our students were in employment or further study last year within six months of graduation and with these results the future for our 2014 graduates looks even better.”