A PAIR of students from York college plan to pursue a medical career after being accepted on to a sort-after course.

The duo who study A-Level chemistry and biology at the college on Sim Balk Lane have secured places on the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) pathways to medicine programme, giving them the opportunity to investigate a career in the field.

Quinn Holmes and Daisy Metcalfe say they were inspired to apply for their places at the school, which is based at the University of York, while at college.

They are both the the first people in their families to consider going to university and they say they they attracted to the programme as it provides both academic and sector specific support.

Quinn, who is a former Sherburn High School pupil said: “I come from a fostering family and have grown up surrounded by children, which is why I would like to be a paediatrician.

"Achieving the grades for highly competitive medical school places is daunting and this programme offers work placements, mentoring, networking and skills workshops which will help me appreciate the level at which undergraduates are expected to work.

"I’m working hard in the hope that I can receive an offer from Brighton University to study medicine.”

Daisy, who went to Bishop Young CE Academy in the Seacroft area of Leeds, said: “My dream is to go to Edinburgh University and to have a career as a GP.

"I am fascinated by the challenge of treating patients of all ages and I want to help people in their different communities.

"I am excited by all the activities offered on the Pathways to Medicine programme, especially the Summer School which will give me a chance to meet other like-minded students and decide if this is the right career path for me.”

The Pathways to Medicine programme was developed to widen access to the medical profession.

Launched in 2012 at Imperial College London, and expanded to HYMS in 2015, the programme is funded by Health Education England.

Research by the Sutton Trust has shown that the top echelons of the medical professions are drawn from a narrow range of social backgrounds.

The programme aims to raise student’s aspirations and allow them to make informed decisions about their future career.