Not only is Connie holding a place at UTC Sixth Form to study Health and Social Care, Biology, and Psychology, but is also applying for a clinical healthcare apprenticeship at a local hospital. 

When Connie joined UTC in Year 9, she was at a difficult point in her school life – she wasn’t enjoying school and didn’t feel supported.  Her mum started looking for better options and came across UTC online. She saw they offered Health and Social Care, which was a subject Connie was interested in and attended an open days. 

Connie met Miss Houldsworth, the Health and Social Care teacher, and said “She was honestly amazing. She explained everything about the course—both the academic side and the hands-on, practical experiences we’d be doing”.   All the staff made me feel so welcome.  

Connie has enjoyed the smaller class sizes which has helped build better relationships with teachers, which makes a difference. Connie also credits Miss Hollis, from student support “She has played a big part in helping me settle and grow in confidence”. 

One of Connie’s most memorable experiences at UTC so far was working with residents from Kiwi Care Home. A few of them visited, and she got the chance to speak with them about their lives. One lady used to be a neonatal nurse, and other woman who had lived through World War II.  That experience helped Connie communicate with people from different backgrounds, which is such an important skill in healthcare. 

Connie has played Netball for the UTC in Years 9 and 10, playing the Centre position, but is now more focussed on her Cheerleading, which she’s been doing since aged 7, and is a big part of who she is.  

Looking back, choosing UTC was 100% the right decision for Connie who can’t imagine where she’d be otherwise. It’s not just changed her plans for the future—the UTC has shown her what school should be: a place where everyone wants to help you succeed and where you feel seen and supported every step of the way.