Remarkable stories from successful pupils at Ripon Grammar School
Two students with remarkable stories stood out among a year of incredible GCSE success for Ripon Grammar School.
A set of outstanding GCSE results for RGS student Joel Buckley have taken him one step closer to his dream job as a doctor.
Meanwhile, young national fell running champion Angus Millar has proved he’s as strong in the classroom as he is on the hills.
Joel Buckley is celebrating achieving ten grade 9s and one grade 7 as he sets his sights on a career as a doctor.
Joel, 16, plans to study biology, chemistry, English literature and history as he sets his sights on a career as a doctor.
His long-term goal is to study medicine at the University of Leeds, combining his passion for science with a desire to help others.
Hard work has paid off for Joel after successfully balancing exam preparation with a busy schedule of music performances as one of the school’s most active and versatile musicians and part-time job at Specsavers in Ripon.
Speaking after collecting his GCSE results, Joel said: “I’m really pleased that all the hard work has paid off. Balancing school, music and work hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been worth it.
"I’m looking forward to sixth form and taking the next step towards studying medicine.”
Aspiring veterinary surgeon Angus Millar from Nidderdale achieved his top grades while successfully balancing elite-level fell running with his demanding exam schedule.
Fell Racing almost every weekend and training twice weekly with Ripon Runners, alongside solo sessions and recovery cycling, Angus credits disciplined routines and boarding school life for helping him stay on track.
“I think I’ve managed to juggle my running and revising pretty well,” he said.
A key factor behind his dual success, he says, has been boarding school life, which has allowed him to structure training, recovery and revision more efficiently.
“It’s been good because I can head out for a run and then get straight back to work or boarding activities,” said Angus.
Looking ahead, Angus is set to return to sixth form to study biology, chemistry, physics and possibly maths.