Student Success

Jessica lives in Nuneaton and went to Hartshill School. She studied English Language, Psychology and Business Studies. After achieving A*’A*, A grades, Jessica is now at Birmingham University studying Business Management and Marketing.

Sam lives in Nuneaton and went to Higham Lane School. He studied Chemistry, Further Maths, Physics and Mathematics. After achieving A*, A, A,A grades, Sam is now studying Physics at York University.

Amy lives in Nuneaton and went to Higham Lane School. She studied Drama, English Literature, Music and Biology. After achieving A, B, B grades, Amy is now at Nottingham Unversity studying Music.

Nishant lives in Coventry and went to King Henry VIII School. He studied Accounting, Economics and Maths. After achieving A,A,B grades, Nishant now has an apprenticeship in Accounting at KPMG in London.

Sarah lives in Nuneaton and went to Higham Lane School. She studied Media Photography and Sociology. After achieving A*,A,A grades, Sarah is now at Bristol University studying Photography.

Emma lives in Nuneaton and went to Hartshill School. She studied Biology, Chemistry, History and Maths. After achieving A*,A,A grades, Emma is now at Warwick University studying Law

Jake lives in Nuneaton and went Exhall Grange School. He studied Classical Civilisation, History, Extended Project and Government & Politics. After achieving A*, A*’, A, A grades, Jake is now studying History at Oxford University.

Laura lives in Birmingham and went to The Coleshill School.  She studied Economics, History, Law and Government & Politics. After achieving an A*,A,A,A grades, Laura is now studying History and Politics at Oxford University.

Natalie is now studying Law at Warwick University

“My career aspirations are to become a barrister, or pursue a career in local government. I chose to study at KECS because of its local reputation for good results and the independence I get that comes with it being a Sixth Form College.

I feel the college prepared me well for University I received a lot of good guidance, support and encouragement throughout the whole application process. “

Jack is now studying Photography at Coventry University.

“When I came here I had the idea that PE would be my future career. However I didn’t find the transition to A Level easy so I changed my subjects to include Photography and realised this is where my interest lies.

A huge dream of mine is to explore the world  focusing on landscape and travel photography. College prepared me in individual studies, using time effectively and always striving for the best grade.”

Annabel is now studying Law at Lancaster University

“I chose to come here to Kegs because it offered the widest range of courses in subjects that were more non traditional that I hadn’t had the chance to study before.

The mock interview really helped me prepare for what to expect from University interviews and my tutor was always available in the run up to application deadlines to help with personal statements. My teachers were also very good as they expect you to work independently which is good preparation for university.”

Gurpal is now studying Sanskrit at Oxford University.

“My aim is to open schools in third world countries. I chose Kegs because of its fantastic reputation, it’s great results and because it offered the greatest range of courses. I was able to pick a diverse range of subjects.

The college helped me prepare for University, through its open days and talks from universities. The Oxford tutorial talks helped me prepare for my interview and decide whether I would apply there or not. The teachers were super supportive, and the careers advisor was really helpful for helping me figure out what I wanted to do and how to achieve it.”

Andrew is now at Keele University studying Medicine.

“I chose King Edwards because it is a 6th form college rather than a school based 6th form so there’s a lot more independence than you would get at school. Also, King Edwards has a really good reputation and has very high results for A levels.

The college helped me prepare for university by expecting you to do independent work in your own time. You gain more independence which is what university is like where revision and grades are up to you. It is halfway between school and university in terms of work and independence and this will help going into university rather than going straight from a school 6th form.”

Alexandria is studying Psychology at Bangor University

“I’m unsure on what career path I’d like to follow after this, I’m torn between clinical therapy or field research as a psychologist. Eventually I’d like to find a cure for mental illness influenced by brain chemistry. I chose KECS because it is a specialist 6th form and it has prepared me for University because it allowed me to do a lot of independent learning whilst still providing excellent student – teacher help in an adult environment.”

Ella is now studying Philosophy at Durham University.

“I’m not sure what career path I’d like to take, but I hope the transferable skills I obtain through my degree will open up various doors job wise, such as government work, foreign office etc.

I chose to study at KEC because the majority of people from my secondary school came here, and I heard a lot of solid recommendations. I feel as though I gained great independence both academically and in all other aspects of life. I think this is one of the most important factors when moving away to university.”

Charley is now studying Biomedical Science at Lancaster University.

“I chose to do my A levels at KEC, not only because it was relatively local, but also because my sibling went there and I thought it was the the best college choice locally.

I feel that the college helped me well to prepare for university, by organizing workshops to help us write our personal statement and tutorials gave us advice on using UCAS. My tutor also helped me to pick which universities to apply to.”

Despite living in Coventry, from the first Open Evening King Edward VI College felt like the best option for me for Sixth Form. They offered the subjects that I wanted to study and gave off an air of expertise with sixth form education. My KEC teachers were all fantastic. Not only passionate and extremely knowledgeable about their subject, but so supportive and helpful throughout our college life. They made two very challenging years very manageable and enjoyable. The staff were great when it came to applying to university and ensured that I wrote the best possible personal statement. This helped me to get into my first choice university to study the perfect course for me. The library and study space were great and made it easy to focus and get on with what we needed to do, and there were no shortage of resources to help with research. Without the staff at King Edward I don’t think I would have been as successful or as content during my time at sixth form, and they definitely helped me to get to the point I am at today. I had four fantastic years at the University of York thanks to KEC, and I’m now back in Coventry at the university of Warwick for my secondary MFL PGCE. As I begin my training I hope to replicate the teaching of my teachers and be as good as they were!

Ella attended KEGS from 2011-2013 and studied English Language, English Literature, History and Maths, achieving A*A*AA as well as undertaking an EPQ focusing on American Literature.

“I was also a Student Executive and Student Governor which allowed me to gain a broad understanding of how the sixth-form college worked.
The best thing about KEGS was how well it prepared me for university life. Having to organise my time in my free periods to make sure that I was giving enough attention to all four A-levels developed my time management skills which was definitely a big help when I started my degree.

The thing that I will never forget about my time at KEGS was the people that I met and the opportunities that it offered me. The staff were passionate and incredibly dedicated to making sure students got the most out of their subjects. I am extremely proud to say that I was a former student at KEGS and look back on my time there fondly. After leaving KEGS, I went on to study English Language and Linguistics at The University of Birmingham. The staff at KEGS were incredibly supportive with my UCAS application, showing me how best to craft it, which resulted in me getting offers from all five universities that I applied for. I graduated with a First Class degree in a subject that I loved, and undoubtedly owe my initial passion and understanding of the subject to my A-level English Language teacher.

Since my graduation last summer, I have been working for a company called Deliveroo, a start-up in the food delivery industry. As a Commercial Associate, I handle over 200 restaurant accounts and create marketing strategies, but most importantly, sample a lot of top quality food! I am currently living in Nuneaton, as my job requires me to travel all over the Midlands to manage restaurants in my cities, but in the next few years I hope to travel abroad and possibly move back to Birmingham!”

James attended KEC from 2014-2016 and studied AS Maths, A-level English Language, AS Music Studies, and BTEC Level 3 Diploma in (Electrical) Engineering.

When he left college James went on to an apprenticeship at BAE Systems, a defence engineering company.

“The branch I work for designed the land vehicles our military use today. As such, there was a lot of paperwork including background checks and Non Disclosure Agreements to complete before I started. Was it worth it? Definitely!
I have just finished working on my first classified project, I am also a STEM Ambassador and have attended several events and hosted a few more. My manager has just offered me the opportunity to work at a different site for a few months which I’m looking forward to.

I now live in a small town near Telford in Shropshire. I had to move closer to work as when I first started my apprenticeship I was travelling 100 miles a day. While it is possible, it is not something that I wanted to do long term. So, to anyone looking for a job or apprenticeship, don’t let your location hold you back!
Some of my best memories at KEC were helping Paul McCarrol with the Krispy Kreme doughnut sale he ran; playing music with my friends in AS Music and hanging out with a lot of friends during breaks and lunch. “

Former student Karen Hewish left KEGS in 1992 after completing her R.E and Psychology A levels.

“I also wanted to study Music but unfortunately I didn’t get the grade needed at GCSE. I did a variety of jobs after A levels, mostly working in mortgages but I’m now a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in a Primary School.

My memories of KEGS are all the staff being so friendly and approachable and the gorgeous sausage roll and chips the canteen used to serve!
During my time at college I was treated as an adult and I think that really helped me become more independent although at first I found it hard because many of my friends had gone elsewhere. However, I did make more friends, one of which went on to be my bridesmaid! We still keep in touch but she lives in Kuwait now.

When I left I intended to have a gap year before going to Uni, but instead I got married and went to work in insurance and then onto a building society as a mortgage advisor.
After having my children I re-trained as a teaching assistant and then studied for and obtained my higher level teaching assistant status. I now teach music to all ages in primary school. (So I got back into music after all and I love it!!)

I live in Kingsbury with my husband and our two lovely girls. Mollie is currently studying at KEGS and Poppy will be starting in September.

Former student Jamie Bartlam left KE6 in 2009 after completing her A levels in English, Psychology and Law.

Jamie talks about her career so far and the difficulties she has had to overcome.

“I achieved 3 A’s on final results day and went to the University of Leicester. I then went onto De Montfort University for my postgraduate diploma.

Since the age of 14 I wanted to be a Solicitor and on 15th September 2016, aged 25, I was admitted as one of the youngest Solicitors on the roll.”

Jamie had to overcome some major health issues during her studies.  Born with spina bifida, Jamie underwent two major spinal fusion surgeries and very nearly had to leave University because of it.

She said: “I spent much of my time at DMU in a mobility scooter and by January 2015 my condition was worsening. I was about six months away from being paralysed; my spine was basically crumbling.”

So, In March 2015 Jamie underwent a second spinal fusion surgery which built a scaffold around her spine. The operation was a success and Jamie has been able to live a normal life.

“I now work for Milton Keynes Council as a Child Protection Solicitor which is also where I undertook my training contract, I consider it my dream job as it’s what I always wanted to do and I love it.

I received a lot of support from KE6 as a disabled student, particularly from Shirley in Student Services.”

Former student Lois Paton talks about her time at KE6 and what she has been up to since leaving college in 1998. When Lois Paton (then Mugleston) joined KE6 in 1996 she was considering both music and medicine as a career. Lois has been musical from a young age; playing the piano, french horn, guitar and performing in groups from the age of nine.

At that time there was no Music or AS level option at KE6 so Lois took Biology, Chemistry and Maths A levels. After achieving ABB Lois went on to medical school in Liverpool and after five years of studying she became a doctor.

“I practiced as a doctor in the UK for 3 years before moving to New Zealand in 2006. I passed my GP exams in New Zealand and opened my own medical clinic there with my husband.  We built up the business and then sold it before returning to the UK to be closer to family in March 2015.”

After building on her previous music experience, playing in bands and orchestras, Lois then got asked to write the music for a film ‘Please Forgive Me’ which went to Delhi International Film Festival.

“After that I was hooked and there was no turning back! I started exploring further study options in the music area and decided to apply for an MA in professional media composition – music for film, games and TV, based at the University of Chichester in the UK.”

She subsequently scored ’Tunnel’ which was a finalist in Tropfest and was aired on the Rialto channel in New Zealand.  Since then she has written music for 34 films, written musical arrangements for ‘Tombooks’ app, and produced audio for various games.

“I started Skylark Music in July 2015.  I was accepted onto the MA programme and commenced that in September 2015.   Since then I’ve continued to build on my knowledge and skills and have written music for nationally aired TV commercials (MTV, Sky Movies in NZ), TV shows in the UK, games, radio productions (Vintage Radio UK), and lots of short films.  I’ve also been teaching piano, which I love.  I’m now essentially looking at a career change where medicine takes a back seat and I eventually retire from it altogether in favour of music.”

Along with setting up a new business and having 2 children Lois also had to go through the process of getting her New Zealand GP qualifications recognised in the UK. She completed this process in November 2016 and was finally able to start work as a GP in the UK.

“I have no regrets about the path I’ve taken, albeit a rather circuitous route to where I am now! I LOVED my time at KE6, I still remember all my wonderful teachers, the atmosphere was so supportive, and I loved that I was encouraged to become self directed in my learning as well as develop as a person.”