A TOP student who secured a maximum set of four top grades in his A Levels has won Student of the Year in the Cumbria-wide education awards.

Toby, who is now studying a degree in medicine at Cambridge University, was recognised for his achievement and his contribution to the community in the prestigious Golden Apple Awards.

During his time at the Barrow Sixth Form Rating Lane campus, he set up a forum to enable other aspiring medics to make contacts in medicine and get a valuable insight into their chosen career.

He said: “My main goal in developing the speaker forum was to enable other students and myself to listen to healthcare professionals about their careers and to become more informed."

“This was really important as locally there aren’t as many opportunities like this unless you come from a family of doctors, and it can feel as though there isn’t as much representation in the medical profession coming from places like Cumbria.

“I would also like to thank my college for the support they have given me and others to achieve their own goals.”

Toby, who received 4 A* grades in biology, chemistry, maths, physics in the summer, said he was ‘very proud’ to receive the award and thanked his tutors.

Toby, a former St Bernard’s pupil, was part of the Barrow Sixth Form College Honours programme and has also worked to encourage others to apply for Oxbridge.

His award was accepted on his behalf by Furness College Director of Curriculum Helen Gibson who said in true ‘Toby fashion’ he unfortunately was not able to attend because of his commitment to his studies at Cambridge University.

Furness College Principal and Chief Executive Professor Andrew Wren, who is also CEO of SCMAT, said: “Congratulations to all the winners and finalists. It is only right that these people who all go above and beyond to make a difference in education are recognised for their amazing achievements. It shows the depth of talent we have across our college, our academy trust and across South Cumbria as a whole.”