Hard work and focus have been key features of Kate’s studies at Hucknall Sixth Form Centre. She has been focused on her career aspiration from a young age, pushing her education and life experiences in this direction. Her successes mean that she is now studying nursing at Northumbria University.

Kate says, ‘I have always wanted a career as a nurse, to help people, and this gave me a very clear goal to aim for – as a result, I have always pushed myself, especially when I found things challenging.’

Such is her drive, Kate arranged an extraordinary work placement during one of the academy holidays in year 12. She says, ‘I found a company that did nursing placements all over the world and went for a week to Poland to work in a hospital there. It was a great experience shadowing nurses and finding out what they do daily, together with mixing with people from all over the world with the same career goals.’

She achieved impressive A Level results, scoring three As and a B, in courses all chosen to support her onward career goals, and says, ‘I’ve enjoyed my time in sixth form. It has been a well-supported and enriching experience, helped by the challenge and guidance of teaching staff.’