Former Pendleton student achieves a first class honours degree from The University of Cambridge

23 October 2018

Taryn Challender, former Pendleton Sixth Form College student who went on to be accepted and study at The University of Cambridge, has now graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in English.   The English graduate, who achieved an A* in English language, an A* in English literature and an A in philosophy and ethics in her A-levels, was delighted when she was accepted into The University of Cambridge three years ago. She said: “I felt really shocked as I honestly did not expect to even be invited to the interview stage. “I've wanted to go to Cambridge since I was 10-years-old, but before I was accepted it felt like nothing more than a pipe dream.” Since leaving Pendleton and embarking on her dream as a Cambridge undergraduate, Taryn has gone on to achieve both personally and academically. She said: “Being at Cambridge was so intellectually stimulating and I made amazing, lifelong friends that have come from all walks of life whilst studying here, including my fiancé. But, my biggest highlight has to be my end result. When I found out I had received a First Class Honours, I screamed, it was by far the proudest moment of my life.” So what advice would Taryn give to any current students with aspirations like her own? She said: “You won't get in if you don't apply, you have nothing to lose. Don't let coming from a state school make you feel intimidated by Cambridge.” Since graduating earlier this year, Taryn has already secured herself a job at the university working in cyber security but says she would ultimately like to run her own business. If you have high aspirations for your future like Taryn did and want to see yourself, or your child, at a top university in the future, then call the Pendleton Admissions Team on 0161 631 5000 to request a prospectus.