St Cuthbert's High School

Since leaving St Cuthbert’s in July 2022, I have started my degree apprenticeship at the government economic service. Providing analysis and forecasts for policy decisions regarding trade in the agricultural sector. St Cuthbert’s equipped me with a strong sense of morals and skills which have helped me settle in the workplace easily.

I am now a first year medical student at Newcastle University following from my time at St Cuthbert's Sixth Form. My reflection on my time at St Cuthbert’s is that people often say that going to a state school hinders your education and the opportunities you get in higher education. However, at St Cuthbert’s I never once felt like my education was jeopardised from going to a state school and I did not even necessarily realise there is such a large divide between the private and state school sectors. In my experience, the teachers were very helpful and it felt as though they really cared about my education and providing as much opportunity as possible to further my education. As a younger pupil you feel as though you are told to do certain things for no reason. However, as I got older I started to realise why the teachers at St Cuthbert’s did what they did and taught how they did, and these practices proved beneficial in the future. Furthermore, the support from non-teaching staff to help with my transition into higher education was something that I also really appreciated. Thank you St Cuthbert's.

Currently I am studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford. Since starting my course here, I quickly realised how much St Cuthbert’s has done for me. I left St Cuthbert’s having been equipped with the skills and confidence to tackle academic life at Oxford, not only because I was pushed to achieve my potential in the classroom but also because of the opportunities and support provided. In particular, the opportunity to become Head Boy gave me a wealth of experience and confidence that I know I would not have received elsewhere. Without the guidance and support of the Sixth Form team I would never have been able to achieve my dream of studying at Oxford, they are truly excellent at helping you realize your own ambitions. Thank you, St Cuthbert’s.