STOURBRIDGE students are top of the class when it comes to the University of Worcester’s recent graduates.

Eight students from across the area have been celebrating recently after achieving First Class Honours in their degrees.

Lianne Peters, Melissa Jukes, Ross Ensor, Beth Johnson, Emily Mantle, Natalie Priest, Josh Crampton, and Aaliya Nash have all come away from university with the best possible grade.

Mature student Lianne, of St Mark’s Road, Stourbridge, who achieved a first in her occupational therapy degree said: “I am extremely proud to be one of the first cohort of occupational therapists to graduate from the University of Worcester and to have achieved a first is the icing on the cake.”

Kingswinford students Melissa and Ross graduated from degrees in psychology and sports coaching science respectively.

“I have worked really hard while at university and always wanted to achieve a First so am very proud of myself,” said 21-year-old Melissa. While Ross, 22, added: “I’m absolutely delighted to have achieved a First Class Honours during my time at Worcester, working with some fantastic people across my study period.”

Wordsley student Beth is celebrating a First Class Honours in primary initial teacher education, with fellow Wordsley resident Emily, 25, and 22-year-old Natalie, of Netherton, both achieving the top grade in integrated working with families and children, after completing a foundation degree before topping up to full BA (Hons).

“I was so shocked and overwhelmed to have achieved a first,” said Beth. “My future is now in the classroom, a dream I have had since I was in year one myself.”

Emily said: “I am now planning to complete at PGCE as I aspire to become a special educational needs teachers.”

Natalie is also progressing to a PGCE, with the hope of becoming a primary school teacher. She added: “I didn’t think a first class degree was in my reach so I am surprised and amazed.

“Thank you to Worcester for my four years.”

Meanwhile Josh, from Brierley Hill, has been awarded a first in English language with media and cultural studies. Aaliyah, of Pensnett, has secured top marks in business, management and accounting.

Josh, aged 21, said: “I am immensely proud of my achievement; I took every assignment as it came, worked hard and stuck to the tasks in hand.”

Twenty-year-old Aaliyah added: “Now I have finished my degree I plan to get a graduate job in management or accounting and eventually aspire to have my own business.”