From Oxford to a career in social work, pupils share results and hopes

Ben Mason, a pupil at Woodfarm High, is now pursuing his place at Oxford University after a stunning set of results at the East Renfrewshire school. | Jeff Holmes JSHPIX/

Ben Mason, 18, from Thornliebank, is viewing a career in the theatre after gaining the results he needed to take up his place at Oxford University.

Having gained 5As at Higher last year, the Woodfarm High pupil had set his sights on attending the prestigious university to study Philosophy, Politics and Economics. And having gained 3As at Advanced Higher and a further A at Higher this time around, Ben can’t wait to get to Oxford.

Ben said: “I decided that I wanted to apply to Oxford and my mum said to me that as long as I was happy she was delighted with what I’d achieved. So even if I hadn’t got in, she was so proud that I’d decided to even apply. But now that I’ve got in it certainly means a lot to my family.”

And when looking to the future, Ben already has in mind the direction he wants to take.

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He said: “I want to work in theatre because it’s something I love. And when I looked into it, most of the artistic directors at London theatres did degrees at Oxbridge, so that certainly influenced my decision as well.”

Meanwhile, twins Leon and Ruby McDonnell, both 16, were described by their school as “outstanding examples of resilience, dedication, and compassion within the school community” as they collected their impressive exam results at Woodfarm High.

Twins Leon and Ruby McDonnell | Jeff Holmes JSHPIX/

Both are Young Carers for their older brother, who has complex additional support needs.

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Throughout their time at school, Leon and Ruby have successfully balanced the responsibilities of supporting their brother with the demands of their own education.

Despite the additional challenges that come with their caring roles, they have remained committed to their studies and demonstrated exceptional perseverance.

Alongside their contributions outside the classroom, both Leon and Ruby have achieved academic success - Leon attained eight National 5 passes, including six A grades, while Ruby achieved an exceptional nine A grades from 10 National 5 passes.

Ruby said: “I was delighted with my results and it sets me up well for starting my Highers in the coming year. I would love to work in social work with children with additional support needs because a lot of things I’m good at lend themselves to that kind of work and I think it would be really rewarding as well.”

Leon said: “It was good that both of us were studying at the same time and even though we did quite different subjects, we were able to support each other. We helped keep each other focussed – it was like having a pacemaker in a race.”