Results are the perfect medicine for caring Libby’s paramedic dream

A health and social care student is celebrating after exceeding her own expectations to secure a university place to train as a paramedic.

Libby Shilton, 18, of Ashby-de-la-Zouch, achieved an A* in her Level 3 CACHE Technical Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care - the equivalent of three A levels.

Her results mean she has secured a place on the University of Northampton’s specialist BSc Hons Paramedic Science course.

Libby said: “I’m over the moon. I wasn’t expecting it because some of my grades have been teacher-assessed instead of exams. I’d prepared myself for the worst, but I’m really, really happy with my results.”

Her ambition is to work as a paramedic and as part of her university course she will get to work with East Midlands Ambulance Service.

“I like caring for people and have always wanted to work on ambulances. It’s a role that is very varied and has many different challenges because you come across so many different situations and people,” she said.

Libby said learning over the last year has been particularly challenging due to lockdown as she thrives on face-to-face contact.

She said: “It was definitely a challenge for me. I prefer learning face-to-face because you can pick up more and ask little questions which help me understand information. Those little things make a big difference.

“My tutors were brilliant though. Without the support I got, I wouldn’t have got the grades I got.”

Libby says she wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Loughborough College. “Without a shadow of a doubt. The way tutors treat you like an adult and the amazing support you get makes such a massive difference to your learning, as well as the facilities. If I’d stayed in Sixth Form in school, I don’t think I would’ve been ready for university. College is the perfect transition from school to university.”