Richmond School pupils aim for careers with police

Ben Dowson.

A career in the police is on the cards for four Richmond School and Sixth Form students.

Ben Dowson is planning a degree apprenticeship in professional policing through North Yorkshire Police.

While studying hard for his A-levels, achieving grades of ABB in maths, biology and history, Ben devoted time to working as a Police Cadet.

Ben is now taking a year out to gain further work experience.

Ben said: “I am really chuffed with my results and very happy to have done so well.

“My predicted grades were ACE so to pull this round to ABB at the end of Year 13 is great.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed life at Richmond School and my positive relationships with my teachers have helped enormously.”

During the summer holidays, Ben volunteered to go on deployment with the police to support victims of the flash floods in Swaledale.

Working with Ellie Lonsdale, a Year 12 student, Ben helped a resident in Reeth to move belongings out of the house and clear the garden of debris.

Ben also spent a week on work experience with North Yorkshire Police in July 2019.

Dan Sharp, from Year 10, also gained a place which is a very impressive feat at such a young age.

Since attending the programme, Dan has also been accepted into the police cadets following a formal interview process.

Hannah Speakman from Year 13 also aims to join the police; she will be starting at Edge Hill University, where she will be studying a degree in Professional Policing.

Her grades of distinction* and distinction in her Level 3 Cambridge Technical Diploma and Physical Activity and merit in Health & Social Care CTEC demonstrate her strong work ethic and she is well admired by staff and students alike for her exceptional communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

Ms Mannion, careers leader, said: “Ben, Hannah, Dan and Ellie have really impressed us with their dedication to a career in policing.

“The Government has committed to creating 20,000 new roles in the police service and our students are developing the skills and experience to equip them for the challenges ahead.”