One of the most rewarding aspects of life at HSDC is seeing former students carry forward the ambition, resilience and curiosity they developed with us into the next stage of their lives. Robert McRiley, who studied at Alton College between 2023 and 2025, is a compelling example of this – illustrating not only what students can achieve during their time with us, but how both perseverance and openness to opportunity shapes long-term success.
Robert joined Alton College from Eggar’s School in September 2023, enrolling on A Level Chemistry, Biology and History, with aspirations of progressing onto a highly competitive Medicine degree at university. Like many students pursuing competitive degree pathways, he balanced rigorous study with wider enrichment opportunities that are so important in helping students to explore their aspirations and stand out in future applications.
One of the standout moments that Robert recalls came in 2024, when he took part in a three-week trip to Mexico with students from Havant and South Downs, funded by the Turing Scheme. Speaking about this trip, Robert said:
“This trip was focused on health and nutrition, allowing me to apply my subject knowledge in a new environment. It was an amazing chance to learn about international differences in medicine!”
Alton College is renowned for its exceptional academic support services and enrichment, which worked hand in hand to allow Robert to reach his true potential here. Robert was an active member of MedSoc, where his ambition to study Medicine was nurtured and challenged in equal measure.
Through the support of Alton’s superb in-house careers team, he secured a place on the Oxford University Society mentoring scheme, speaking regularly with a practising surgeon about life in the profession and receiving invaluable advice on the demanding medical school application process. Robert also benefitted from mock interviews supported by the Dr Mike King Trust – an experience he credits with sharpening both his communication skills and interview technique.
Robert’s motivation to pursue medicine was shaped by the events of the COVID-19 pandemic. Like many young people, Robert was inspired by the commitment and courage shown by NHS staff during an extraordinarily demanding period, reinforcing his desire to contribute to a profession centred on service and care.
After narrowly missing the grades required to begin a Medicine degree in September 2025, Robert did not give up. Rather than stepping away, he remained focused and continued to build the skills and experience needed for success. As a result of Robert’s dedication, he will now begin studying a Medicine degree at Anglia Ruskin University in September 2026 – a testament to his resilience, maturity and long-term determination.
When asked what advice he would offer current Alton College students, Robert said:
“The biggest piece of advice I can give is to seize all the opportunities you can! It’s always worth applying to something that sounds helpful!”
Robert’s story is truly inspirational, and is one that HSDC is proud to share. It reflects the reality of progression in further education, and the true value of persistence in the face of challenges and adversity.