Ripon Grammar School pupil William Renton has achieved five grade 9s, four 8s and two 7s in his GCSEs, while also managing responsibilities as a registered young carer for his younger sister.
William, 16, from Kirkby Malzeard, says his experience supporting his sister Ellie, who has Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2 and requires regular hospital treatment, has influenced his ambition to study medicine.
William said:
“Growing up with Ellie has shown me a side to the medical world that most don’t see.
"I’ve met so many incredible doctors and other medical professionals who have looked after my family and I in some of our most difficult times and they have inspired me to do the same for others,”.
His sister Ellie, 15, who also attends Ripon Grammar School, described her brother as supportive, she spoke about her brother:
“I appreciate him always being there for me, whether I need a cuppa or help with homework.
"William has had to juggle his life with being almost a full-time young carer, and he does a wonderful job.”
Alongside helping Ellie with day-to-day needs such as medicines, mealtimes and mobility, William has had to manage his schoolwork during hospital stays.
William plans to take A-levels in chemistry, biology, maths and music, with the goal of applying to medical school.
He also maintains a wide range of extracurricular interests, including playing piano, French horn and guitar.
He has performed in school ensembles and won awards at the Harrogate Music Festival.
He is currently working towards his gold Duke of Edinburgh award and is active in climbing, running and archery.
As a young leader in his local Scout troop, William supports weekly sessions, events and camps, and also volunteers as a canoeing instructor.
In 2023, he attended the World Scout Jamboree in South Korea.
Outside of school, William works part-time as a milkman before lessons, and occasionally helps with a local pizza van and at a birds of prey centre.
He is also a qualified wheelchair football referee, a sport in which his sister Ellie competes for Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club in the Premiership of the national league.
William said that family outings remain challenging due to accessibility needs:
“We have lots of specialist equipment at home, but when we go out we have to plan everything carefully.
"There has to be wheelchair access and special facilities, and there is usually a lack of information, which makes planning things and therefore going out very difficult.”
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