A STUDENT diagnosed with an ovarian tumour during the final weeks of her A-level year has achieved the grades she needs to follow her dream career as a doctor.

Despite missing several weeks of school and undergoing surgery, Amy Goodwin, honoured as a Physicist of the Year last year by the University of York, was awarded an A*, two As and a B in maths, biology, chemistry and physics.

The talented dancer and pianist, who had to wait nine weeks for confirmation her tumour was benign, also achieved a merit in her Associate of the Royal Schools of Music diploma, which is higher than a grade 8.

The 18-year-old, from outside Stokesley, who enjoys a part-time job teaching students piano up to grade 7, said her experience had given her new insight into her future career.

She said: “It made me think about how doctors come across to patients and how they present information to them.”

She said staff at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton had inspired her and praised them for the excellent treatment she received.

“I had such good doctors and nurses who looked after me well and put me at ease,” she said.

Having made a good recovery, Amy is now looking forward to starting her course at the University of Sheffield in September.

She said: “I have always been interested in being a doctor, mainly because I want to be able to help people."

Ripon Grammar School saw 81 per cent of grades awarded at A*/B, and more than 60 per cent of all grades at A*/A, meaning most students have secured their first-choice degree courses.

The Northern Echo:

Following a difficult 18 months, students were delighted to be rewarded for their efforts and motivation throughout the challenges imposed by the pandemic.

An impressive 22 students achieved three A*s or more, with the school’s 147 A-level students receiving a total of 133 A*s.

Headmaster Jonathan Webb said the Class of 2021 had been an incredibly hardworking and motivated year group.

He said: “Congratulations to all who have secured their chosen course at the institution of their choice and we will work closely to support those who may be disappointed to ultimately pass on to the next phase in a path of life-long learning.”