Lifelong Friends Celebrate First Class Honours on same University Course

Two friends who met at primary school have spoken about achieving First Class Honours in the same degree at the University of Worcester.

Alizah Pervez and Charlotte Grimason were reunited after a few years apart when they both joined the University’s Social Work degree programme, which they completed this year, and now work for the same employer. 

“Through this difficult year we both still achieved outstanding success due to our determination and resilience,” said Alizah, of Stourbridge.  “Achieving a First Class Honours degree is an indescribable feeling and is a significant achievement that will remain with us.  Many years ago we would not have believed we would have been able to achieve what we have; however we are extremely proud of what we have achieved. It is an amazing feeling to have completed this journey together and to both have achieved such high levels of success.”

Alizah and Charlotte, from Dudley, went to primary school and then high school together. They then went their separate ways but some four years later both ended up at the University of Worcester.

Alizah said: “I made the decision to study social work after I sat my A-levels.  I went through clearing, interviewed and was accepted onto the course.”

Charlotte said: “I went for an Open Day and felt the staff were friendly and supportive.  I was able to look around the campus and felt comfortable in comparison to other universities I had visited.  I felt there was a healthy balance between professionalism and open understanding.”

The pair applied to complete their first placement abroad and travelled to Malta together to work in adult mental health for five months. “It was an experience neither of us will forget,” said Alizah, a former Stourbridge College pupil. 

During their final placements, back in Worcester, Covid-19 started to take hold in the UK, and the pair continued to support each other virtually to complete their dissertations.  Both are now employed as social workers for Worcestershire Children First.

“We are extremely grateful and happy that we are able to continue on our next venture together,” said former King Edwards College pupil Charlotte.  “Despite all the adversity we have continued to prosper and are incredibly proud of what we have achieved.”

The pair said they wanted to thank the Social Work lecturers at the University for their guidance and support and their families for their understanding through both the happy and challenging moments.

University of Worcester Deputy Vice Chancellor and Provost, Professor Sarah Greer, said: “The class of 2020 faced some unique challenges in completing their final year, in very difficult external circumstances.  I congratulate them all on their degrees, earned through their hard work and dedication in the face of adversity. I would also thank our outstanding academic staff who worked really hard to support students to achieve their full potential.  Our students who earned a First Class Honours should rightly feel very proud of their outstanding achievements and I wish them all the very best in their future careers.”