1:38PM, Thu Aug 16, 2012

A-Levels High Flier From Newcastle School To Become Helicopter Gunship Pilot

By Hugh Macknight Location: Newcastle

One Newcastle A-level student is set for a high-flying career as her grades have set her up to become a helicopter pilot with the RAF.

Emily Wilson, who achieved an A* in biology and an A in chemistry and physics, has been accepted to study biology at the University of Edinburgh and will then head to Sandhurst for her military training.

The 18-year-old, who attended Central Newcastle High School, said she originally wanted to be a vet but had a change of mind during the year.

"I applied to study veterinary science and was offered three interviews but at Christmas I decided to join the Army and no longer wanted to become a vet," she said.

"And now, after much thought, I'm going to be a helicopter pilot and one day I could be flying Apache helicopters."

While studying for her exams, Miss Wilson has been busy passing tests that are necessary for her to fulfil her flying dreams.

She said: "I have just achieved my initial licence for the RAF which I did down in Grantham.

"I originally got interested in flying through the cadets and it's definitely the excitement and the variety that drew me in.

"I will go to university first and then Sandhurst and by the time I'm 25 years old I could be flying an Apache and my family are really happy."

Hilary French, headmistress of Central Newcastle High, said she was very happy with the school's results but still felt as nervous as she ever did the night before.

"I'm delighted with the results and it's been a wonderful day," she said.

"It's the conclusion of the school year and it's what we all work towards from the start of their school career.

"It's all down to the hard work of the girls as well as the teachers and the parents. I still feel nervous before as I know how important it is for the girls."