Jagjeet Singh Hans receives his award from TV presenter Gabby Logan and Raj Kakaiya, of award sponsor learndirect

A TEENAGER who aims to become a brain surgeon has had his academic achievements honoured.

Jagjeet Singh Hans, 17, from Darlington, has been named the Outstanding Achiever of the Year in the Learning and Skills Council North East's Celebration of Learning and Skills (CoLaS) Awards 2008.

Jagjeet plans to go to university after completing his A-levels in biology, chemistry and further maths at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College.

He was entered for the Royal Society of Chemistry's Olympiad and is the first student from his college to make it to the second round. He has been placed among the top ten young chemists in the country.

Jagjeet has also done extra academic work to achieve qualifications in deaf awareness, an Open University course in molecules, medicine and drugs and work experience at his local GP surgery and St Teresa's Hospice.

He still finds time to help out in his parents' shop and play hockey and football to a high level.

Jagjeet is the first member of his family born in England and is learning to become fluent in English and Punjabi. He will also be the first family member to enter higher education.

He was presented with a trophy and prize of £1,000 at the CoLaS award ceremony at the Sage Gateshead.

He thanked his family and college for their support.

He said: "I always strive to surpass any goals I set for myself and I can't wait to start university later this year.

"My aim is to become a surgeon. I am intrigued by the field of neurology so I plan to dedicate myself to my studies over the next five to six years."

11:36am Thursday 3rd July 2008

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