Colchester student to head to St Andrews for medicine degree

Kaavya Chandrasekar, a student at Colchester County High School for Girls, scored As in biology, chemistry, and maths, and will study medicine at St Andrews from next month.

After a busy year academically, 18-year-old Kaavya could also reflect on extra-curricular successes after having served as the lord lieutenant’s cadet until the end of 2022.

With typical medical zeal, Kaavya is looking forward to buying a stethoscope as she embarks upon a new chapter north of the border.

“Buying a stethoscope is what I’ve been looking forward to the most,” she said.

“There have been a couple of breakdowns, but overall, I think it was worth it.

“In 2022, I was the lord lieutenant’s cadet and I met with the Earl of Wessex and Princess Ann – I also got to go to Buckingham Palace as a young achiever, which was really cool.”

Other high achievers at the County High School included Leah Levett.

Sitting four A levels, she achieved four A stars and one A to gain a place to study physics at York University.

Niamh Cattanach, meanwhile, scored four A stars and will also read physics, though at Durham University.

Headteacher Gillian Marshall praised the school’s efforts as students achieved what she described as “exceptional” results.

She said: “We are immensely proud of all the work and achievements of our students.

“Overall, the academic attainment of the students this year is outstanding and their exceptional results represent the culmination of many years spent studying.

“Each year around a quarter of our Sixth Form students join us in Year 12 from other local secondary schools.

“Credit is due for the foundation they received at these schools which, in addition to the support at Colchester County High School, helped them to achieve excellent A level results.

“We wish all our Year 13 students every happiness as they progress on to the next exciting stage of their lives.”