College graduate set to follow in the footsteps of prime ministers

Hard work and curiosity have paid off for a Loughborough College student who secured a hat-trick of A stars to achieve his dream of studying law at Oxford University.

Finn Hewitt, 18, of Birstall, will study for a BA(Hons) Law (Jurisprudence) at Jesus College, Oxford, where former Prime Minister Harold Wilson studied before moving into politics.

Finn excelled to ace his three ‘heavy duty’ A levels in Politics, History and Economics. He said: “It’s amazing recognition to achieve these results and it gives me so much confidence that I can carry forward to Oxford.

“At the same time, it feels a little bittersweet as it marks the end of my A levels and the two years I’ve had at Loughborough College. I’m so immensely proud that the teachers had confidence in me, my ability and recognised my standards and effort over the last two years.”

Finn said he chose Loughborough College after getting a taste of the campus and teaching staff during a series of open days.

He said: “I went to a few open days and I really liked the facilities, the environment and the teachers I’d spoken with. Crucially, it offered the politics and economics courses that I really wanted to do which no one else was offering. That swung it for me.

“The College looks and feels like a mini university and I felt it would be more enriching to have that experience of different people, rather than my secondary school where I’d been for four years. I really liked the idea of taking on those ‘heavy duty’ subjects in a different learning environment and felt like I could really thrive.”

Whilst studying during the national lockdowns was challenging, Finn saw some unexpected benefits that he believes have helped him bolster his knowledge and confidence.

“My tutors were exceptional in some cases. If I’d forgotten to ask a question during an online lesson, I could message them on Teams and they’d get back to me within an hour,” he said.

“They are on it. That’s one of the benefits to online learning. If not for Covid, I don’t think I would have been as likely to follow up on something because it makes it easier to do online,” he said.

Finn described his Loughborough College existence as a good step up to independent learning and self-discipline, especially when it comes to organising timetables and working with peers from all kinds of different backgrounds.

He said: “It has taught me a lot about myself. I’ve met a lot of new friends and while I’ve always been unafraid to ask questions, I really felt like I was able to engage with my tutors far better than when I was at school. It’s really helped me enjoy my experience.”

Finn is keeping an open mind about his future, but has not ruled out a political role.

“I really want to go into the world of legal practice but I have thought about a career in politics later, perhaps.”

Finn’s final thought about college life is a critical one for people following in his footsteps. He said: “You have to put the effort in. You can’t expect a first-rate education without putting the work in. You are treated like an adult and are expected to take responsibility. It’s not a spoon-feeding environment, you have to prepare yourself mentally and take on new challenges but you get the reward back.”

, Principal & CEO at Loughborough College, said: “Everyone at Loughborough College who has worked with Finn is so proud of what he has achieved and we’re extremely excited to see how his career develops. He has earned his place at Oxford and we have no doubt that he will shine there, just as he did with us.

“He is one of the most articulate, confident and intelligent students that I have worked with. During his Oxford preparation interview, he excelled throughout and I have no doubt that he will be hugely successful and I wish him well.”