Growing up with lots of pets and animals at home, it is no surprise that Sophie should set her sights on a career in veterinary science.

This week she has moved a step closer to her dream picking up A levels in chemistry, biology and psychology at Bede Sixth Form College.

She explains that rescuing waifs and strays in need of a bit of love and attention is just what her family does.

It means there’s regularly been parrots, budgies, pigeons, chickens, tortoises, cats, fish, even ducks at one point, at home to take care of – some older than her.

When it comes to feeding, cleaning and caring for their furry, finned and feathered friends, the 18-year-old from Thornaby is happy to play her part.

Her passion was no doubt recognised when it came to university applications. Sophie received offers to study veterinary science from both the highly competitive Royal Veterinary College in London and the University of Nottingham.

“I’ve grown up with animals at home,” said Sophie. But it wasn’t until she was doing her GCSEs that she settled on plans to work towards a career in veterinary science, specialising in birds and reptiles - an obvious choice when the penny dropped.

While studying her A levels at Bede, Sophie put in the hours, working part-time at a local vets’, gaining additional work experience alongside the veterinary nurses and committing her break to university summer school.

Today the menagerie at home includes a rescued battery chickens, three tortoises, and goldfish, to name but a few, all cheering her on.

Sophie said: “It was such a relief to get the grades I needed for my place at university. I am over the moon and so happy.”