A journey in Health & Social Care at Henley College to a Russell Group University

Cara McCaffrey, from Maidenhead has achieved a Triple Distinction in her Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care. This is equivalent to a pretty impressive 3 x A* grades at A level.

Cara shares her experience at The Henley College and offers advice to others who may be thinking of doing the same:

“After getting cold feet with the A-levels I had chosen at my local sixth form, I applied to the Henley college at the beginning of September 2017 with the help of my dad who has worked at the college for a decade. I studied Health and Social Care Extended level 3 and instantly felt like the course was for me. During GCSE years I was interested in psychology and nursing, and starting a BTEC in a similar field allowed my interest to further and my academics to grow immensely. 

“After finishing first year with a Distinction, I had my eyes on university and an end goal of becoming a nurse. I applied for Cardiff University, Southampton University, University of Birmingham, University of Surrey and Birmingham City University. Receiving offers from all of them, in the end I put the university of Birmingham as my firm choice and Surrey as my insurance.

“In my final year I got tremendous support from my teachers Kareen and Suzie, who encouraged my abilities and made me feel ready for my near future of further education and training whilst studying at university. 

“Since finishing at the college and getting my results, I received a D*D*D and have an unconditional place to study at the University of Birmingham to study Nursing, starting in late September. 

“Despite being sad to leave and being apprehensive about my new life chapter. I am so incredibly grateful for the college and what they did for me over the two years I was there. I have not looked back since joining and gained such independence and personal growth that would not have been achieved at my local sixth form. 

“To anyone who is considering college or has cold feet about Henley, just go with what feels right. Despite myself being late to apply I still found my place, as will you. 

“Furthermore, the misconception with BTECs is that you can’t go to university, or no ‘good’ or ‘top’ university will accept you. I was accepted to three Russel groups and this was something I couldn’t fathom happening. Therefore, I would highly recommend prospect students to look into BTECs as it not only caters to lots of students preferences it also allows you to be assessed in different ways, and often allows you to gain experience in the chosen field of study, which will later prove valuable to working life.”