Leeds Sixth Form Student of the Year picks up glowing results

Damilola Akinbolu was this year’s Leeds Sixth Form Student of the Year at the college’s annual Star Awards ceremony.

An international student with less than three years in the country, the talented 19 year old achieved A* in maths, B in further maths and C in physics. We caught up with him to find out what he’ll be doing next.

How was your time at Leeds Sixth Form?

It has been a wonderful experience. The support I received from the teachers and staff was invaluable.

Coming from Nigeria, I could already speak English but it was a different education environment, so I found it difficult to adjust at first.

What was your reaction when you opened your results envelope?

I was really pleased to see my results and I’ve got my place at university, which is great.

I got support from Leeds City College staff with everything related to UCAS; they really helped me a lot with it and I can’t thank them enough.

What advice would you give to students who are thinking of studying A levels?

A levels are hard work, but also enjoyable. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. No exam is hard if you make sure you prepare and study beforehand.

For international students, adjusting is challenging, but you will meet lovely, friendly people at the college who will help you every step of the way and support you to achieve your goals.

What’s next for you?

I will be going to the University of Leeds to study electronic and electrical engineering, but I’m taking a gap year to study electronics with Leeds City College.

In the future, I would like to work for an electric company, and improve the electricity supplies in my home country.