THREE of the borough's successful students have told their experiences of studying in the area – and are recommending others study in the district too.
They've told their stories of receiving excellent support at the borough's three schools and colleges at a time when many 16-year-olds preparing for GCSEs are also considering their future.
Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College's and Nunthorpe Sixth Form's results last year were first rate once again and Redcar College provided a large range of high-quality vocational training and apprenticeships.
Here are just three of our outstanding young students who recommend studying in the borough post-16.
From Nunthorpe to Oxford
Sriganesh Murugan says Nunthorpe Academy helped put him on the path to Oxford.
Sriganesh said: “I am currently on a gap year completing placements at law firms among other things but next academic year I will be studying Law at the University of Oxford and I feel that my journey has been greatly helped by Nunthorpe Sixth Form.
“At sixth form I studied Philosophy and Ethics, History and Mathematics each of which had a great standard of teaching where assistance and guidance was always welcomed. While at Nunthorpe Sixth Form I was also encouraged to complete an Extended Research Project which was an incredible experience for me as it gave me a taste of independent academic work.
Ms Jackson (Head of Sixth Form) was extremely helpful when completing my UCAS application especially with my personal statement which is often where people struggle."
Paige makes a difference at Redcar College
The future is looking bright for policing student Paige Costello at Redcar and Cleveland College. Never afraid to put in the hard work, the 16-year-old is developing a host of skills to help her achieve her future ambition.
“I have always wanted to help people and do something that makes a real difference," she says.
The policing course at the college certainly offered a step in the right direction. Today she is making the most of every opportunity the college has to offer, from signing up to The Girls' Network mentoring scheme to volunteering as a student governor.
Paige, who is also a member of the Cleveland Police Youth Commission and takes part in the RSC Next Generation: Talent Development Programme, says: “I have not always been the most confident person, so I like to be pushed out of my comfort zone."
Sitting round a table with the college group's governors has certainly done that, but perhaps surprisingly she takes it all in her stride. Looking to the future, university will be the next step for Paige. She is quick to praise the staff, the flexibility of the course, the friends she has made and the college.
Plus, she adds, the fact that the college is just a stone's throw from the beach has got to be an added bonus…
Heading to the top from Prior Pursglove
Emily Kate Thompson is heading for Oxford and thanked her teachers at Guisborough's Prior Pursglove College.
She said: “My ambitions to aim for Oxford initially began during a visit to the university with my secondary school, Outwood Academy Bydales. It was therefore important that I chose the right college that would help me realise my goal. Prior Pursglove was the right choice for me as studying there has allowed me to gain skills in a range of different subject areas whilst being well supported along the way. I attempted to pick subjects both which I enjoyed and that helped demonstrate a range of skills, choosing Maths, Photography and Computer Science.
“Being able to rely on college staff for support and advice with the application process and preparation for interview has been invaluable to me. “Upon receiving my offer to read Experimental Psychology at St Anne's College, Oxford, I was very excited! I am very proud of myself for overcoming the challenges which it took to get to this final stage."
Cllr Alison Barnes, Cabinet Member for Children and a former teacher, said: “It has been wonderful to read these stories from some of our brightest and most inspiring students and I would like to say 'well done and congratulations' to them all.
“Each of our colleges excel in different areas, including vocational training, and I would say to every young person, that there is no limit to what they can achieve - by studying right here in Redcar and Cleveland."