A MANCHESTER high school for girls student from Warrington has made the final cut out of 3000 applications by being offered a coveted BBC apprenticeship.
While many MHSG students are now headed to universities across the country, 18-year-old Alice McMahon from Warrington has opted for a work-based learning route having been offered a desirable BBC apprenticeship in Media Production.
There were big smiles all round at Manchester High School for Girls (MHSG) as students celebrated fantastic A-level results in a variety of subjects on August 17. Over a quarter of pupils secured a string of straight A*s and As and 87% of all grades were in the A* to B range.
Alice achieved an A in History and two Bs in German and Maths at A-level, which guaranteed her a place to study Politics at the University of Edinburgh. However, Alice has deferred her university studies in order to pursue the opportunity of working at the BBC fresh from school.
Alice explained: “I have always been interested in the world of media, and, as a comedy lover, I have even dreamt of having my own chat show one day. When I heard my friend was doing a media apprenticeship at the BBC, I was really interested in finding out more.
“I was told people apply for the media production apprenticeship in their thousands, so I wasn’t overly optimistic about my chances. The selection process was rigorous; after sending in my application I was invited for an assessment in Birmingham, and when I got through the first round, I was called up for more interviews in Salford. When I found out that I had been successful, I was quite shocked and surprised.”
While many of Alice’s peers will now have to pay £9,000 for their first year at university, Alice will be paid £12,500 for a 12-month fixed term contract with a chance to work on a wide variety of programmes across TV, radio and online production.
Alice added: “I am actively involved with youth politics; organising various events, chairing meetings and going out campaigning have given me good organisational skills and a real boost in confidence. I am really looking forward to getting my teeth into exciting projects at the BBC and learning about the fascinating world of media production.”
Claire Hewitt, Head Mistress of Manchester High School for Girls, commented: “We live in a changing world and there are many routes to success, and I am thrilled and proud of our students like Alice who have the courage to go on to pursue a path that is right for them. The innovative ‘Futures’ programme here at MHSG encourages all pupils to explore a variety of career options and follow their true passions, whatever they may be.
“I would like to congratulate Alice on her well-deserved results and I wish her the best of luck on her new and exciting venture.”
Applications for entry into Manchester High School for Girls (from Preparatory Department through to Sixth Form) for the 2018/19 academic year are now open. For more information, please visit www.manchesterhigh.co.uk. The School’s next Open Events are on Thursday September 28 and Monday October 9.
