A trio of college students have secured coveted medical school places thanks to their high A-level grades.

The students, who studied at Nelson and Colne College completed the college’s unique Pre-Professional Programme in Medicine, which enhances university applications for those students considering Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and Dentistry career pathways.

Fardin Ahmed, Safeena Minhas and Kieran Khaliq gained A* and B grades in biology, chemistry, maths and physics, and will go on to study medicine at Newcastle, Manchester, and Hull respectively.

Fardin came to Nelson and Colne College asking to re-sit his GCSE English Language exam in order to support his future aspiration to become a surgeon, and 12 months ago jumped three grades to achieve a grade 8.

He said: “I chose to come to Nelson and Colne College as it was recommended to me by friends who had achieved top grades. I’m very happy with my results which are the result of two years’ worth of hard work.

“I’ve always loved Science and I’ve done lots of work experience at GP surgeries and in hospitals – including East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. I think a career in medicine is perfect for me as I also take great satisfaction in helping others.”

Safeena, 18, from Nelson, is a former student of Pendle Vale College, and has her heart set on a career as a doctor.

She said: “I’m shocked at how well I did in my exams and I’m happy that the hard work has paid off. I see being a doctor as a really rewarding career and I have supported my learning with work shadowing at Airedale Hospital and volunteering in Pendleside Hospice charity shops.”

Kieran, 18, said: “I’m really pleased to be going to Hull York Medical School to study medicine.”