Phoebe’s exam results put her on top of the world

Reporter: Alex Carey
Date published: 14 July 2015


AN OLDHAM student is celebrating an exceptional exam result which sees her ranked in the top 3 per cent of people who sat it worldwide.

Phoebe Price, aged 18, from Greenfield, sat International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification as an alternative to A Levels, scoring 42 points from a possible 45.

Phoebe, a Manchester High School for Girls pupil, excelled in the internationally-recognised qualification, scoring in the top 3 per cent of 140,000 IB students worldwide.

Such a point score sets Phoebe way ahead of her global competitors who secure, on average, 30 points.

Phoebe will now progress to Durham University to study a degree in English literature.

She said: “I am absolutely elated that all my hard work has paid off.

“The teachers at Manchester High have been so supportive and I’m thrilled to have secured my place at Durham. I can’t believe I am going to one of the top 100 universities in the world. The IB encourages a very analytical mind set which is great for problem solving and evaluating situations. I feel like studying the IB has really transformed me into an independent young woman ready for whatever life brings.”

The IB diploma requires students to study a broad mix of subjects, three at a higher level.

Subjects include a first and a second language, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, the arts and humanities.

In conjunction with this they must also complete three core elements: theory of knowledge, community service and a 4,000 word essay.

Phoebe added: “I chose the IB because of the wide range of subjects on offer — this meant I could study humanities and sciences, as well as maths and French with sports science thrown in!”

Phoebe’s long-term ambition is to work for Amnesty International, campaigning for women’s rights and promoting humanitarian issues.

She said: “The awareness of the world I’ve gained through studying the IB, as well as the outward looking nature of Manchester High, has really sparked my desire to pursue a career in which I can make a real contribution to the international community.”

Claire Hewitt, head mistress at Manchester High School for Girls, said: “I want to congratulate Phoebe and her teachers on this outstanding set of results.

“Overall, it’s been another highly successful year for IB results here at Manchester High, with a third of our girls ranking in the top 3 per cent globally.”