Prestwich student Dulcie Turner earns place at Cambridge University

Dulcie Turner is set to read engineering at the University of Cambridge's Murray Edwards College from September.

Dulcie said: “Engineering is very male-heavy, so I hope that the work we do at Murray Edwards College will balance out the divide.”

The teenager was home-schooled from Year 9 after leaving Parrenthorn High School.

She then attended Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale, when aged 15, and there she gained a Level 3 qualification in Electrical Engineering.

Dulcie was not only the youngest student in her class but also the only girl.

She ultimately achieved a Distinction* and Distinction – which helped to secure her place at the University of Cambridge.

Hopwood Hall College's Middleton Campus

Dulcie said: “It’s because of my experience in Hopwood's Technology Centre that I got into engineering.

"It was my first opportunity to use industry-standard machinery. I had a good relationship with the staff, they were all really helpful.”

“Despite being the only girl, I found the class really welcoming. I made some great friends.

"You’ve just got to deal with it and get on with it. I like the things that I like and I just get on with it regardless.”

Julia Heap, principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College, said: “You can’t help but feel inspired by Dulcie’s incredible achievements and I’d like to send a huge congratulations from everyone at the College.

“Dulcie’s story just shows that there’s more than one route to university and there are no limits to what our learners can achieve after completing their course.

“We hope all our new students will follow her lead and reach for the stars.”