Ian to study Chemistry at Durham University | News | King's Ely | Private Co-educational School in Cambridgeshire

Ian to study Chemistry at Durham University

King's Ely NEWS

Ian to study Chemistry at Durham University

September 2025

Ian will be studying Chemistry at Durham University after achieving the A-Level grades he needed.

Ian joined King's Ely Sixth Form from a secondary school in Hong Kong. He studied Chemistry, Physics, Maths, and Music at A-Level. 

When asked what he plans to do career wise, Ian said: "I do not have a specific career path yet, but one of the options I am considering is studying for a PhD after my degree."

To describe King's in three words, Ian chose "motivational, ambitious, caring".

Ian was appointed a Music Scholar, and many of you will know that he is an incredibly talented cellist, pianist, and organist.

He said: "I had the privilege of being a Music Scholar, and I was involved in many Music activities at King's. I played the cello in King’s Ely Senior's String Orchestra (KESSO), the School Orchestra, and Spikes (the school's cello group), which nurtured my skills as an ensemble player. What made King’s very unique was that I not only learned to play the organ there, but I also played the organ in morning services at Ely Cathedral. This is an experience that I will really miss."

When asked what else he will miss about King's, Ian said: "I will miss participating in school socials and House events, especially House Music, as this was always a prominent display of House spirit. I will also miss my friends and teachers." 

Describing the teaching and learning environment at King's, Ian said: "Teachers at King's really connect with students on a personal level. My teachers were always willing to help me whenever I faced a challenge in my academic or personal life. An example of this was during my Physics project in Year 12, when I could not obtain the exact equipment for sonoluminescence, and as a result, I was stressed. Mr Kittoe taught me that scientific research is not meant to be perfect, something that forever changed my approach to laboratory work, and which I will apply in my Chemistry studies at University."

When asked how well supported he felt pastorally at King's, Ian said: "Everyone made me feel comfortable from the moment that I arrived in Year 12, which made it quick and easy for me to settle in. I feel like the teachers and staff cared about my academic progress, my wellbeing, and my growth as an individual. King's is such an inclusive community, which inspired me to do my very best."

Congratulations Ian - enjoy Durham and keep in touch!

FEATURED NEWS