A PROUD Barrow A-Level student – who is never far from his trusty canine revision partner – is delighted to prove that young people brought up in care can succeed with the right support.

Alistair Kirk is over the moon with the A, B, and C grades he achieved at Barrow Sixth Form College.

The student had an uprooted childhood and moved around several foster homes before making his home in Barrow with foster mum Brenda Nelson.

Alistair, 20, had to take GCSEs through the college.

He then discovered a passion for politics during his A-Level studies.

He passed an entrance exam to gain an unconditional offer and scholarship to Aberystwyth University, to study for a degree in international politics, a bluechip course for the university.

Accompanying Alistair to results day was his faithful dog Bobby Jack Kirk.

The sight of the Jack Russell in college was not unusual as Bobby has been a regular visitor. The rescue dog has attended many A-Level revision sessions with Alistair.

Alistair said: “I feel good about my results. It’s my dream to study politics.

“The team at Barrow Sixth Form are all brilliant, they go above and beyond. There is no word big enough to describe how good they are.

He said it is possible for looked after children to succeed, and said: “I’ve been moved from foster home to foster home. I have succeeded where sadly many foster children have failed.

“I’ve known so many foster children and a small percentage get to college, fewer still pass it.

“I’ve only known two out of five foster homes where someone has gone to uni, it’s quite sad. I’m happy that I’ve been able to do so well through the support of the college and my foster carer Brenda ( Nelson).

“Through all my time at college I’ve been living with Brenda. It’s been my longest foster home. She’s amazing.”

Speaking about Bobby, he said: “He has a good knowledge of politics now. Bobby is the longest family member I have had, I’ve had him eight years.

“He's a rescue dog who had been poorly treated.”

Sadly Bobby won’t be going to university as dogs are not allowed in halls, but he’ll be visiting with Mrs Nelson.

About heading to university, Alistair said: “I’m excited, this is my time.

“I want to work in politics.”

Barrow Sixth Form College nominated Alistair for the Golden Apple Against All Odds Award.

Steve Buckley, a college director and subject leader of government and politics, history, and sociology, said the sixth form is about giving young people the opportunities to succeed.

Mr Buckley said: “Alistair has just been phenomenal. It was hard work on his part. He attended well, he worked hard, he had a natural interest in politics and he just bought into it completely. That reflects in the course he is doing. Alistair benefited from the level of one-to-one support in class and outside of class.

“Alistair is one of those students we wont forget, and Bobby. We were think of entering Bobby for an exam, he’s been into revision classes.”

It was a record year for Barrow Sixth Form College with a 99 per cent pass rate, 100 per cent in 26 subjects.

The 18-year-olds and staff tucked into a breakfast barbecue as they celebrated securing university and higher apprenticeship places.

Joel Bland was over the moon with his three A*s and his mechanical engineering degree place at The University of Bath. The Barrow teen said:” I’m extremely relieved and excited, it hasn’t sunk in yet.”

Joel said it was more than he hoped for: “I’ve really enjoyed sixth form, meeting new people, it has been a really good experience and I’m ready to move on to uni now.”

He thanked the college staff for their support.

Rebecca Reid, of Askam, is off to Durham University to read chemistry after achieving an A* and two As. She said: “I’m overwhelmed with it all. Barrow Sixth Form has been amazing, I could not have done this without my tutors.”

Xena Fawkes, of Dalton, achieved three A*s and will study French and German at the University of Oxford.

David Allewell, of Barrow, secured three A*s and will study maths at Lancaster University.

Debbie Woods, of Barrow, scored three A*s and will study biochemistry at the University of York.

Nathan Tracey, of Barrow, secured a higher apprenticeship at BAE in project management, while Luke Fearon, of Lindal, will start an apprenticeship at Sellafield after passing his A-Levels.

Principal David Batten said: “It has been a fantastic year for our students, many of whom have outperformed expectations through sheer hard work and determination and that of their tutors and staff and we are very proud of all of them.”