Ollie Watson, who attended Darlington’s Carmel College, is delighted after securing the grades he needed to accept an apprenticeship with the Metropolitan Police.
He said: “I never had any aspirations of becoming a police officer specifically, but I knew always wanted to work in a role that meant no two days would be the same.
“I love being outdoors, so I knew if I could find a career in which I could spend my time out and about, then it would be a good fit for me.
“Though funnily enough, I did do the Mini Police Scheme with Durham Constabulary in primary school, so maybe that’s where it started!”
Ollie achieved an A in Core Maths, and further A-levels in Physical Education, Physics, and Biology.
Alongside his A-levels, Ollie was required to sit six months’-worth of additional competency exams, online assessments, and in-person interviews to qualify for the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship. He’ll now move to London to begin the three-year apprenticeship.
The future police officer had these words of wisdom for students starting sixth form college this September: “Be organised from Day One. You can definitely catch up with a bit of graft, but don't put yourself at a disadvantage from the get-go.
“Two years sounds like a long time, but it flies by, and you'll be done before you know it. Enjoy every minute – but focus!”