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Top universities and local firms welcome Northgate Sixth Form leavers

News

As Northgate Sixth Form bids farewell to its class of 2024, students are preparing for their futures at top universities and local firms.

The big picture: Northgate Sixth Form is celebrating the success of its 2024 graduating class, with students securing places at prestigious universities, competitive apprenticeships, and management trainee roles.

Northgate Sixth Form Class of 2024
Students with Northgate's Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form and Careers LeaderNorthgate Sixth Form

By the numbers:

  • Six students clinched coveted spots at Oxford and Cambridge

  • Four budding doctors will start their medical journeys this autumn

  • One star pupil, Evie Mitchell, topped the country in A Level Law and will be heading to Cambridge University to continue her studies

But it's not all about uni: While many students are heading to lecture halls, others are diving straight into the world of work or embarking on exciting adventures:

  • Local firms snapped up future accountants and lawyers for degree apprenticeships

  • Budding mechanics and care workers opted for skill-based apprenticeships

  • Our healthcare and construction sectors gained fresh talent through management trainee roles

  • Some adventurous souls are set for globe-trotting gap years

Evie Mitchell with her law teacher
Evie Mitchell, pictured with her law teacher, achieved the highest mark for A Level Law in the country Northgate Sixth Form

What they're saying:

Rowena Mackie, Headteacher of Northgate High School, said: "It is a testament to the fantastic staff we have at Northgate who teach, guide and support our students, as well as our students' own hardworking ethos, that they leave us equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills to access a wide range of higher education courses or vocational pathways."

Hannah Laughlin, who will study PPE at Oxford, said: "I am grateful for the teachers at Northgate who were constantly helpful, encouraging and went above and beyond to help me get into Oxford University, as well as making sure that all students could succeed."

Behind the scenes: Northgate Sixth Form offers a comprehensive Careers programme and an Aspire Programme to support students in exploring their options and realising their ambitions.

What's next: John Alexander, Head of Sixth Form, revealed that Northgate has welcomed 250 fresh faces into Year 12, hailing from 30 different schools across Suffolk and beyond.

The bottom line: Northgate Sixth Form is committed to supporting all students in achieving their goals, whether that's university, apprenticeships, or entering the workforce.

If you go: Northgate Sixth Form will host an Open Evening for prospective students on Wednesday, 9 October 2024, from 17:30 to 20:00. For more information, visit www.northgatesixthform.co.uk.

Police reveal Billy McNicholl died from head injuries and a single stab wound in an 'isolated' attack

News

A post-mortem has revealed that William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich home. Police continue to appeal for witnesses as the murder investigation enters its second week.

The details: Officers discovered McNicholl's body at his home on Hawthorn Drive shortly before 18:00 on New Years Day:

  • Suffolk Constabulary's Major Investigation Team is leading the inquiry

  • A police cordon remains in place near the junction with Marigold Avenue

  • Investigators are particularly interested in any suspicious activity between 24 December and 1 January

William "Billy" McNicholl and his dog
William "Billy" McNicholl, 63, died from head injuries and a single stab wound at his Ipswich homeAmy Clarke

What they're saying: Detective Superintendent Mike Brown of the Joint Major Investigations Team said: “We continue to appeal for anyone with any information to come forward while the murder inquiry into the death of Billy continues.

“Billy’s family are being supported by specially trained officers through what is an extremely distressing time for them.

“A large number of officers and staff have already been involved in the investigation, with searches, house-to-house and CCTV enquiries taking place. Residents should expect to see a continued increased police presence over the coming days.

“We are exploring all and any lines of enquiry and currently believe this to be an isolated incident and I would urge anyone with any information, no matter how small you think it may be, to get in touch with police.”

How to help:

  • Contact police on 101 quoting reference 37/162/25

  • Submit information via the Major Incident Public Reporting Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/363719P01-PO1

  • Call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

  • Use Crimestoppers' online form at crimestoppers-uk.org

The bottom line: While police believe this is an isolated incident, they are conducting extensive searches, house-to-house inquiries and CCTV analysis. Residents should expect to see an increased police presence in the area over the coming days.

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