Stockport Independent Issue 188

15 APRIL 2025 Visit our website: www.independentnewspapers.co.uk T: 0161 480 8171 | E: info@damartraining.com or visit our website: www.damartraining.com A specialist provider of apprentice recruitment and training ACROSS 7 Set free (8) 8 Horse’s gait (4) 9 Difficult question (7) 10 Among (4) 11 Flowing water (6) 12 Composer of “The Messiah” (6) 14 Hedge plant (6) 16 Have no obligation to (6) 18 Increases (4) 20 Nightclub (7) 21 Midge (4) 22 Compulsive slimmer (8) DOWN 1 Duce (8) 2 Lower (6) 3 One skilled in algebra, for example (13) 4 Directory of contact numbers (9,4) 5 Achieve (6) 6 Central Chinese desert (4) 13 Physicist (8) 15 Calls on (6) 17 Weirder (6) 19 Ridge of sand (4) Answers on page 18. QUICK CROSSWORD YOUNG Macclesfield computer scientist Anna- bel Hawkins knows that her subject is developing so rapidly that by the time she finishes her course at Cambridge some of what she has learned might already be out of date. It is one of the reasons why the 18-year-old King’s School student, who got 11 grade 9s and one 8 in her GCSEs, chose Cambridge as the next step in her academic journey. She has now been given a prestigious offer to study at the university’s Murray Edwards College. Annabel, who is study- ing A-Level maths, further maths, physics and computer science in the King’s Sixth Form, said: “In the first two years, Cambridge offers a broad platform of computer science experience and doesn’t specialise. “That way you are given a thorough and complete grounding and not study- ing topics that might soon be obsolete. “I have always enjoyed computing and love coding which is something like learning a new language. “I simply couldn’t tell you what I might do in the future, because in this sector new opportunities are appearing all the time. What I can say, is that it will be exciting.” Annabel, pictured, who is learning French in her spare time, also set up and runs a King’s School maths society. Founded in 1954, Murray Edwards is one of only two all-female colleges in the UK and boasts a breath-taking list of alumnae, including Dame Jocelyn Bell Bur- nell, BBC journalist Mishal Husain, BBC Chief Political Correspondent Vicki Young, comedian Sue Perkins, actor Tilda Swinton and Baroness Natalie Evans. Andrew Prideaux, King’s Head of challenge and enrichment, who coordi- nates King’s Oxbridge appli- cations, said: “As a teacher, there’s nothing more fulfill- ing than seeing the dedi- cation and perseverance of students pay off. “To have an offer to read computer science at Cambridge is a testament to Annabel’s relentless hard work and passion for learning. “This offer is not just a reflection of her intelligence, but also of her resilience, as the competition is extremely fierce and the standards are exceptionally high. “It’s moments like these that remind us of the impact of dedication, and how our students truly shine when they put their minds to something.” CHESHIRE East education chiefs have revealed 95 per cent of par- ents received their first choice of secondary school on national offer day. The figures also show that 98 per cent received an offer from one of their top three preferences. More than 4,200 applications were submitted by parents and carers for chil- dren transitioning to secondary school in September 2025. Carol Bulman, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families commit- tee, said: “Moving up to secondary school is a monumental milestone for children and their families. “Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly with schools to accommodate parental preferences, and I am delighted that the vast majority of children will be attending one of their preferred schools this September. “I wish all pupils every success in their final year of primary school and as they prepare for this exciting new chapter.” Like all councils, Cheshire East has a statutory duty to ensure sufficient school places for local children and young people. The council says it adheres to the government’s School Admissions Code, ensuring that all school places for maintained schools and acade- mies are allocated and offered fairly and transparently. If a preferred school place was not offered parents can request to be added to one or more waiting lists by March 17. Or if dissatisfied with the offer, par- ents can appeal before a deadline of March 31. A council spokesperson said: “Parents are encouraged to accept their child’s offer even if they prefer a different school until alternative arrangements are confirmed. “Additionally, parents should apply for home-to-school travel assistance before the end of April to ensure travel arrangements and passes are in place by the start of the new academic year.” School first choice for most parents Annabel cracks the computer code To advertise, contact Robin Atkins on 07767 840274