A FORMER Gloucestershire College Sixth Form student has achieved a first-class honours degree in history at Cambridge University despite gaining ‘relatively average’ GCSE results.

Simon Hickman, who is 21, from Chepstow, studied A-Level History, Government and Politics, and Religious Studies: Philosophy and Ethics at the Cheltenham campus, achieving an impressive two A*s and one A in 2013.

Prior to this he was a student at Chepstow Comprehensive School.

He said: “The relaxed atmosphere at GC was perfect for me and allowed me to perform at my best, which was instrumental in getting me into Cambridge, despite relatively average GCSE results.”

Simon has always had a passion for history and hopes to follow the route of academic history.

He said: “History and religious studies were the only subjects I was good at in school, and I became more interested in history through reading extensively on niche subjects like the Swedish Empire.

“The History A Level at GC was very enjoyable and in second year the subject of post-war Britain sparked my interest in that area; this then became my primary specialisation during my time at university. In that sense, it shaped what my likely career path will be.

“I would very much like to do a PhD in history at some point, but I might leave that for a few years now. Ultimately I want a job that allows me to do extensive research projects.”