Life at St Edmund’s Catholic Academy’s Sixth Form was incredibly supportive and inspiring. Balancing my A Levels alongside competitive degree apprenticeship applications was challenging, but the staff were always there to guide me through every step. From checking over my applications to offering detailed feedback and encouragement, their support made a huge difference. Thanks to the constant help and motivation from staff, I was able to secure a place at a Magic Circle law firm, A&O Shearman, where I’ll be beginning my career as a solicitor apprentice, obtaining a law degree and qualifying as a solicitor by the end of the programme. – Vani Verma, 2023-2025 Cohort

“Since leaving St Edmund’s in 2011, I went to the University of Nottingham, where I studied Politics. I got involved with the Student Union and the Politics Department and worked 2 part time jobs whilst studying. I graduated with a 2:1 in 2014.

After Uni, I was offered a job working for an MP in Parliament (our office was just under Big Ben). I was his junior researcher for over a year and I helped him get re-elected, before being made the senior assistant in October 2015, responsible for running his Westminster office. This involved managing the team, writing his speeches, handling his press coverage and social media amongst other things.

Then in November 2016, I moved down the Thames to City Hall to work as the researcher and assistant to the Deputy Mayor of London, where I support her in her capacity as a member of the London Assembly.

In my spare time, I am also an active member of the Labour Party and a school governor.”  – James Potts, 2009-2011 Cohort