A Broadway woman has earned a First Class Honours degree after working in a hospital during the peak of the pandemic alongside her study.

Steph Atkins, 23, is one of around 3,000 students who will graduate from the University of Worcester in the cathedral next week, having earned a degree in law.

She said: “I couldn’t believe it when I opened my results to find I had achieved a first.

“When I first started my studies I never believed I would be able to achieve a First, so I was over the moon.”

Cotswold Journal: Steph Atkins was "over the moon" to receive a First Class Honours degreeSteph Atkins was "over the moon" to receive a First Class Honours degree

The former Evesham High School pupil worked part-time in the accident and emergency department at the Worcestershire Royal Hospital as a receptionist on the front desk during her degree.

She added: “Working at A&E in the pandemic was quite worrying, especially at the beginning as no-one really knew much about Covid and there were policy changes every shift so there was a lot to keep track off.

“It was quite difficult emotionally because we were seeing a lot of really poorly patients come into the department, so studying could be quite difficult after a hard shift. Especially after a night shift!

“But I had amazing support from my team in the Emergency Department and my lecturers were all aware of where I was working and made sure to check on my wellbeing. I always felt well supported by my head of faculty who always ensured to ask me how I was coping and made sure to have conversations with me about how I was getting on.”

During her degree Steph also achieved the Worcester Platinum Award, the highest honour given in an employability award scheme run by the university’s Careers and Employability team, and volunteers weekly with Worcester Citizen’s Advice.

The university’s deputy vice chancellor and provost, Professor Sarah Greer, said: “The class of 2021 showed remarkable resilience and determination in the face of some unprecedented challenges during their studies, due to very difficult external circumstances.

“They have all done so well in earning a degree from Worcester, through their hard work, perseverance and dedication. This should stand them in good stead as they move into their chosen careers.”