The Castle Rock School

“I discovered filmmaking during a short film module as part of the BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate in Creative Digital Media Production at Castle Rock Sixth Form.,” Jake recalls. “It was the first time I’d ever made a short film, and it introduced me to a world I didn’t know I could turn into a career.” Supported and encouraged by staff, Jake contacted local football clubs for a filming location and landed Derby County’s Pride Park stadium. “As a 16/17-year-old, having an entire stadium to myself was surreal—it was a turning point where I realised filmmaking could be my job.” Jake went on to study Film Production at the University of Salford, where he developed his practical skills, creating multiple short films and working on award-winning projects like Ceaseless. This short film, which Jake shot as the cinematographer, earned accolades including "Film of the Year" at Salford and nominations at the RTS North West Student Television Awards. Now, Jake is an established freelancer in the camera department for Film/TV productions, working on shows like Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, and Channel 4’s The Gathering. He also runs a production company, Fivefold Media, where he collaborates on corporate videos, music videos, and short films. Reflecting on his journey, Jake shares, “It’s a tough industry, and freelancing comes with challenges, but I’m proud to have built a sustainable career doing something I love. Castle Rock gave me the first push, and I’ve run with it ever since.”

“Castle Rock offered such a wide range of subjects, even before I reached sixth form including creative ones, which not many schools do,” she shares. “Being able to explore these subjects, like Travel and Tourism, sparked my interest and played a big role in the choices I made later in life.” After Sixth Form, Rae-Anna pursued a BA (Hons) in Tourism and Event Management at Northumbria University, graduating with a 2:1. Now back in the Midlands, she’s working in her family business, managing admin, marketing, and social media. But her adventurous spirit doesn’t stop there—she’s planning to travel up the East Coast of Australia in 2025 before diving into a career in event journalism, combining a love for media with her degree. Rae-Anna’s time at Castle Rock was filled with lasting friendships, great memories, and invaluable support from her teachers. “Sixth Form was intense, but the support from staff was unmatched. They really set you up for the real world, giving you the independence and responsibility you need for university and beyond.” Her achievements include organising a charity event during university, which raised £1,000 for Mind Charity, and being selected for a research trip to Barcelona—an example of her dedication and drive.

So often they are told to follow their passions and to work in a sector they love, whether that be teaching, the arts, sport or the media. For former pupil Lottie, though, her passion was a unique one; her passion was dentistry. She received a commendable set of GCSE results before moving up the Sixth Form, opting to study Biology, Chemistry, History and Maths. It was at this point that a career in dentistry was her aim. Aided by her Head Of Sixth Form, Lottie enrolled on the Sutton Trust Summer School programme, an initiative that guaranteed her an interview for dental school, thus increasing her changes of acceptance. After leaving The Castle Rock Sixth Form, Lottie made the move up north, choosing to study Dentistry at Newcastle University. She certainly sunk her teeth into the sizeable challenges that university so often brings, graduating with Honours. Lottie even ranked within the top 300 final year students on her course. Lottie’s lofty position meant that she was in prime position to land a top graduate job in Loughborough. That experience proved invaluable and equipped her with a broad range of skills that she has gone on to utilise at both the NHS and also private dental practices. Lottie was full of praise for the pivotal role The Castle Rock Sixth form played in her career: “I absolutely loved my time at Sixth Form,” she said, “I had so much fun and felt supported by the staff and students. “My History and Chemistry lessons were my favourite and my friends from Sixth Form are friends for life.”