College News

Against the Odds

Today at QE many students are celebrating gaining their A levels with many having had had to overcome significant barriers to do so. Kasia Polkoszek’s has just achieved top A Level grades  in Chemistry, Maths, Biology and Extended Project and her  story is inspirational, a credit to her commitment  and determination to succeed against the odds.

Three years ago, Kasia left her parents in Poland to live in this country to further her education and pursue her ambition of becoming a doctor. For the last two years she has been studying at QE and her high A Level grades have given her entry to Exeter University to study medicine – her dream has come true!

Assistant Principal, Laurence Job, comments on Kasia’s achievements:

‘Kasia has done phenomenally well, especially considering she has not been living with her family and English is not her first language. She also had to overcome challenges in Poland where she helped her mother who had a mental health condition. As well as excelling in her studies, Kasia has found the time to make a remarkable contribution to the local community, working tirelessly to help others and doing a vast amount of charity work. Her contribution to the community was recognized at the Best of Darlington Awards when she was named ‘Young Citizen of the Year,’ an incredibly prestigious accolade and one which she thoroughly deserves. Kasia is a genuine role model for others and she will make a fantastic doctor.’