“I attended Moorside High School before joining Winstanley College, where I studied Media Studies, Theatre Studies, and English Language between 2020 and 2022. During my time at Winstanley, I was involved in a number of enrichment activities, including Winstanley TV and the Winstanley Waffle magazine. I also took part in theatre productions, with a memorable role in The Little Mermaid. After College, I went on to study a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Journalism at the University of Salford. While there, I had the opportunity to write articles published in the university newspaper, Salford Now. I also gained valuable work experience with several local news outlets including the Manchester Evening News, Wigan Today, Bolton News, and the Blackpool Lead. I’m now about to graduate with a first-class degree this July and am actively applying for roles within the digital reporting landscape. Looking ahead, I would love to become an entertainment reporter for major news outlets such as the Manchester Evening News, and ideally, travel the world doing what I enjoy most. For students interested in pursuing a career in journalism, my advice is to be persistent and keep networking. Your contacts will become a vital resource for every story you want to tell. It’s important to get your name out there and believe in everything you write.’

Rebecca studied Maths, Chemistry, Politics and Spanish at College, alongside leading the Debating Society. She went on to read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Lancaster University, where she became involved in debates, model UN and the decolonise the curriculum movement. She also supported refugees by teaching English and volunteering on ethics research projects. Following a year teaching English abroad, Rebecca joined Amnesty International in an entry-level position before moving into Government and Political Relations. There, she supported a range of policy issues including crisis response, anti-protest legislation and the General Election. She is currently studying for an LLM in International Law at the University of Edinburgh, whilst working as a Campaigner for Amnesty – a role which sees her engage political audiences to promote and protect human rights frameworks.

Adetinuke is now at Durham university and is studying to become an accountant. Here she offers some invaluable advice to students thinking of a similar career path. Adetinuke says: ‘At Winstanley I studied Business Studies, Economics and Mathematics as well as an EPQ in Environmental Economics. I have been keeping busy since finishing College! First, I began my bachelor's degree in accounting at Durham University, which has been both challenging and rewarding. Alongside my studies, I have gained valuable work experience in the finance industry. Last summer, I completed an internship at Whitbread, where I developed key financial skills and industry insights. In addition to my academic and professional pursuits, I work part-time as an online tutor for My Tutor, teaching mathematics at various educational levels, including beyond degree level. This role has allowed me to refine my communication and teaching skills while helping students achieve their academic goals. I am eager to complete my qualifications to become a fully certified accountant through either ACCA or CIMA. My goal is to build a strong foundation in industry finance, gaining valuable experience and expertise while progressively advancing my career. I aspire to take on increasing levels of responsibility, develop my leadership skills, and ultimately work my way up to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Through continuous learning and professional growth, I aim to make a significant impact within the finance sector and contribute to the success of the organisations I work with. Accounting offers multiple career paths, and choosing the right one depends on your goals and circumstances. A strong foundation in Maths and English from your GCSEs is essential. From there, you have several options including the degree apprenticeship Route or through a traditional accounting degree, like I am following. Attending Winstanley was a transformative experience for me. I had just moved up north and was struggling with the change, missing my friends and familiar surroundings. But as soon as I arrived at Winstanley, everything shifted—my energy, my mindset, and my confidence. The welcoming atmosphere and incredible support system made all the difference.’