Cardinal Newman Catholic School A Specialist Science College

After starting my education at Sacred Heart Primary School, I progressed to Cardinal Newman Catholic High School for year 7. One aspect I particularly appreciated was the formation of small tutor groups, where we were paired with fellow students from our primary schools. These form groups remained the same throughout our five years at Newman, and we became a close-knit group within our forms. This was particularly valuable to me, as it can be very daunting to transition from a small primary school to a larger high school environment. Following my time at the High School, most of my close friends and I continued our education together at Cardinal Newman Sixth Form. I had initially chosen to pursue Maths, Accounting, and Law A-levels. However, upon completing my first year, I realised that this combination was not the most optimal path for me to achieve the desired grades. Recognizing the need for a change, I made the decision to alter my course selection upon returning for the second year. Subsequently, I enrolled in a Cambridge Technical qualification in Business Studies alongside my continued study of A-Level Law. I am proud to have achieved a double Distinction* in my Cambridge Technical course and an A grade in Law, which were the grades I aspired to attain, in order to pursue a law degree at the University of Hertfordshire. Throughout this period Newman Sixth offered unwavering support, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and understanding that it is acceptable not to have all the answers right away. Their willingness to accommodate my change of direction reinforced the invaluable lesson that one's path may evolve, and they provided me with the necessary guidance and encouragement during this time. I had also decided that after gaining practical experience through work experience at a solicitor's firm, I came to the realization that pursuing a law degree was not the most suitable path for me. This led me to explore alternative opportunities within the property sector, particularly in the realm of apprenticeships. Fortunately, through a mutual connection, I learned of a local firm seeking an apprentice, which marked the beginning of my journey as a degree apprentice working towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor with Kirkby Diamond. Currently, I am in the fourth year of my five-year apprenticeship, and I am looking forward to completing the program by the end of 2024.

I’m Alex and I joined Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Year 7 having left a non-feeder primary school. After completing 11 GCSEs, I started Newman Sixth. I felt this was a natural progression for me given the familiarity I had with the school as a whole, the subjects Newman Sixth offered and, importantly, Newman Sixth’s outstanding academic track record. I studied Maths, Chemistry and Biology at A-Level, in addition to the EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and A-Level Polish, achieving A*A*A*A*A respectively. This allowed me to start the Biomedical Science BSc degree at University College London, which was an extremely exciting, challenging and rewarding experience. I graduated with a 1st Class Honours Degree in 2023 and am now looking forward to beginning a Master’s degree in the field of Biomolecular Science at the University of Cambridge. Following this, I haven’t decided exactly on the career trajectory that I will pursue. I hope to use my robust scientific background, personality and other skills and interests (I have a huge passion for flying) to excel, both for myself and for others. My academic achievements and personal development would not have been the same without the support that I received throughout my time at Newman Sixth. Anyone who pursues Post-16 study at Newman Sixth should expect the highest quality pastoral care, the opportunity to make new friends, a varied extra-curricular programme and an exemplary academic grounding, one which will ensure excellent prospects.

I had the pleasure of attending Newman from year 7 all the way through to sixth form, where I left in 2019. I studied Accounting, Economics, Law and Finance and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I always knew the best future for me was a practical one; Ever since I had my first work experience in year 11, I honestly felt ready for the world of work. I managed to apply and be accepted into a school leaver training contract/Higher Apprenticeship with KPMG LLP, which is a Big Four audit and professional services firm. Since joining I have had a range of experiences that I could never have really imagined for my age. I am currently now Senior Associate and on track to pass the rest of my ACA exams within the next year and a half. Such experiences have included being the lead auditor on clients such as Mercedes F1 team, Mercedes Cars, Gulfstream Jets and being the senior on some very large, listed multinationals. At the same time, I have qualified under AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) and am halfway through the ACA level exams also, which will allow me to become a chartered accountant. I think the key thing to keep in mind when at the stage of A-levels is to understand what kind of individual you are… University is not always the best possible pathway for every career and there really are a vast number of opportunities ready for young people to take a hold of…. It is your time now! However, I can fundamentally say that CNS and Newman Sixth, along with the exceptional teachers were paramount in me becoming who I am today so a huge thank you!