The future is looking bright for rising star Ben. With a career in journalism in his sights, today saw him secure his place to study journalism, media and culture at Newcastle University.

Receiving a distinction star in performing arts, an A in English language and a B in history, he said: “To see the grades was one of the biggest reliefs.”

While confident he would achieve, he added: “It is a bit of a pride thing to open the envelope and see the grades and to know that all of the effort you put in has paid off.”

Finding Bede was the choice for him during an open day visit, he said: “As soon as I walked in I knew it was the right college for me.”

And his experience hasn’t disappointed, he said: “From the teachers to the facilities, even the way you are treated as a person and more than just a student, has blown me away.”

The former Ian Ramsey Church of England Academy student is now excited for the new challenges ahead.

Ben said: “It will be different to anything I have ever done before, I have never lived on my own or even really been away from my family for long periods of time, so I will learn about myself and how I adapt to new situations.

“But, with all that has happened, that is something we have all been doing for the last two years at college.”