Graduate with first-class degree returns to teach at former primary school

A graduate from Rochdale is set to return to her former primary school as a teacher after graduating with a first-class Bachelor of Arts degree on Wednesday (18 July).

Ashleigh King, 21, graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University with first-class honours in Primary Education in a special ceremony at Bridgewater Hall.

Her proud mum, Emma King, who runs Lola Ashleigh florists on Oldham Road, and her younger sister Lola, were both in attendance on the special day to watch Ashleigh graduate.

 

 

The former St Cuthbert’s RC and Rochdale Sixth Form pupil already has a job lined up at her former primary school, Sacred Heart, after applying in February this year.

Fulfilling her childhood dream of returning to Sacred Heart Primary as a teacher, Ashleigh, who specialised Early Years Education, will be teaching the nursery class.

Ashleigh’s achievements are even more precious for her family, as she has defied the odds after a tough start in life. Born extremely premature at 1.1kg (2 lb and 7 oz) at Birch Hill Hospital on Valentine’s Day, Ashleigh spent the first three months of her life in an incubator.

Emma said: “It’s incredible to think that Ashleigh has smashed everything she’s set out to do, considering she was this fragile baby when she was born. It’s just so lovely that she’s wanted to stay in the community and the area where she grew up, because Sacred Heart is a real family.

“Thank you to all teachers involved in helping my daughter to achieve her dream. I would like children and parents alike to see how working hard at school really does help children to achieve their potential. Also, thank you to the nurses and doctors who looked after us when Ashleigh was born, as without our NHS, I might not have her.

“Ashleigh has been so lucky in the facilities she’s had, and she’s really made the most out of everything. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”

Ashleigh’s determination to succeed doesn’t stop there, as – after some encouragement from her tutors – she has also enrolled to begin a master’s degree with MMU in September by distance learning.

Emma added: “Ashleigh is so focused and determined; I’m overjoyed that she has got so much out of her education and wants to pass that on to others.”