Student aims for dream job as astronaut
by
Jul 7, 2020
Photo of Ripon Grammar School

A Ripon student literally has ambitions that are out of this world, as she plans to study aerospace engineering at the University of Manchester.

Layla Osman, from Ripon, wants to be an astronaut, but first hopes to become an RAF pilot before going into space.

The 17-year-old, who took maths, physics and chemistry A Levels at Ripon Grammar School, said:

“I have wanted to do this for a few years now due to my passion for maths and physics and love for space. The thought of being able to be even a small part of exploring it excites me tremendously. To become an astronaut is my dream job.”

Photo of Layla Osman, who wants to be an astronaut

Layla Osman, who has ambitions to be an astronaut

The school’s upper sixth form students, whose school lives came to an abrupt end in March, have secured offers and internships from a range of universities, art colleges, employers and voluntary organisations

A total of 167 have applied to university this year, alongside a significant number planning to take a year out, gaining industry insight and life experience.

Around 70 per cent of students plan to take up places at Russell Group universities – despite most universities planning to run their first terms online – with seven receiving Oxbridge offers, nine having offers to study medicine and one for veterinary medicine.

Head of sixth form Terry Fell said:

“These are among the most challenging applications students can put themselves through, and the most demanding of universities, and their success reflects a very bright year group indeed.”


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He added:

“But our students and staff are very clear that there is so much more depth and success to be celebrated in this year group than just these simple headline figures.”

The unique year group is setting off on a wide range of paths, with some pursuing their art and others gaining internships and undergraduate placements in industry. A number are looking forward to setting off on adventurous expeditions and volunteering projects, with two students choosing to study abroad, in New Zealand and the US.

Jack Ibbotson, 17, from Burton Leonard, who studied economics, history and geography at A-level, will be starting a deck officer cadetship, sponsored by Fred Olsen Cruise Lines at Glasgow College, where he will take a degree in nautical sciences and marine operations. He said:

“This is something I have always wanted to do, and it is a fantastic opportunity to travel the world for a living,”