Meet: Luke

Name: Luke
Course:  Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Sciences (QCF)

This year Oaklands Rugby Academy student Luke was called up to represent the prestigious England under 18 Internationals.

England Counties Under-18s faced Ireland Under-18s at the United Services Portsmouth Rugby Ground in Hampshire, with Oaklands College’s very own Luke playing in the outside-half position.

On his international debut, Luke and his team-mates overcame Ireland Under-18s in a narrow 15-13 win in difficult playing conditions.

After completing a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport & Exercise Sciences (QCF), Luke went on to Nottingham Trent University, where he is currently studying a degree in the same subject area.

Luke says his decision to join Oaklands College was a result of an influential open day, where a talk convinced him that a BTEC was the right course for him. Adding: “I also loved the appeal of the new opportunity of playing a high level of rugby up to four times a week, alongside my studies.”

Luke thoroughly enjoyed his time at Oaklands College, and would highly recommend it to prospective students, saying: “The BTEC is a great alternative to doing A Levels, despite what some may say, it is just a different route which suits a lot of people and can allow you to follow the same pathway as someone studying their A Levels.”

On receiving his call-up to the England Under-18s rugby squad, Luke spoke of his “immense pride” citing it as the “biggest achievement” of his rugby career so far. “It was relieving to know that my hard work over the past two years at college had paid off and was a fitting end to the 2017/18 season.”

Luke’s final piece of advice to current and future students is to “stay on top of your work, which will then allow you to enjoy your time off and pursue other engaging activities.”
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