The Art, Design & Photography departments were well equipped, with knowledgable and nurturing teachers. They helped give me confidence and aspire to keep studying Art & Design. A trip to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park was special to me. It was great to see a prestigious art and design space based in Yorkshire. It made me proud to be an aspiring creative coming from the region. I went on to study a Foundation course in Art & Design, specialising in Illustration. This led to a BA in Graphic Design at Liverpool John Moores, where I started to prepare a portfolio for a Masters Degree. I moved to London to start the MA Visual Communication at the Royal College of Art. I also did various graphic design internships at London based galleries, and with Norman Foster’s architecture foundation in Madrid, Spain. This eventually led to my current role as a graphic designer for a global fashion company, working internationally. Everyday I’m grateful for being able to do what I love. It’s very fulfilling to look back on all the studying and see that you can do whatever you put your mind to. Seeing my work on a global scale will always feel special to me.

The support and guidance provided by the teaching staff, their doors were always open. I was also offered personal guidance with my university application to study languages, and support to ensure that my language level was the best that it could be. The absolute highlight was the trip to Cambodia. The volunteering projects and the opportunity to experience such a vastly different culture was a really eye-opening experience for me and one that I will cherish forever. I was given the opportunity to study for a semester in Bilbao, Spain and complete a work placement in North West France. This year allowed me to develop my language skills to a whole new level, and get a real insight into what life would be like living and working abroad.

"I wouldn't be doing what I am today if they hadn't challenged me to better myself."

Tom studied Maths, Physics and Biology at Hornsea Sixth Form. He went on to undertake a degree in Physics at the University of Sheffield, where he is currently working whilst completing his PhD.