Alumni

Ben Middleton

What did you do after leaving school?

I did a football scholarship where I played football full time under a professional club while studying part time at college for 2 years. I then went to the university of Lincoln to study sports science while playing football semi-professionally. Upon finishing university, I played football professionally for a year full time. I then completed my teacher training the following year.

What are you doing now?

I now teach PE and Food tech at Trinity Academy while still playing football part time at a semi-pro level.

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?

Trinity helped me to gain experience in sport and compete in a variety of different sports against schools across the country, further developing my love for sport. This inspired me to study the subject further at university and become a PE teacher.

What advice would you give to current pupils?

Work hard and don’t tell yourself you’ll do things tomorrow, time flies and before you know it, it will be too late.

Christopher Clarke

What did you do after leaving school?

After I studied both my GCSE’s and A-Levels at Trinity Academy, it was advised that I undertook at Foundation Course in Art and Design. I studied this at Doncaster College, and it was a fantastic opportunity to study and practise many different mediums. I knew I wasn’t ready for university when finishing my A-Levels as I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study. On my Foundation Course, I was able to explore Ceramics, Fine Art, Photography, 3D Design, but I really gravitated towards Fashion and Textiles. This exploration really solidified my pathway.

I went on to study BA (Hons) Fashion at Manchester School of Art. I really loved my 3 years at university. I was encouraged to be as creative as possible, and it was exciting to be completely focused on something I am passionate about. Throughout the 3 years, the course gave us opportunities to complete ‘Live Industry Briefs’, that were set by high profile brands. These were projects set by brands like Burberry, Topman, Levi’s, and Old Navy. During the summer between second and third year, I was able to gain a 3-month paid internship at Old Navy in San Francisco, California, which gave me valuable industry experience and an insight into how a commercial fashion brand operates.
In my final year, I completed a 6-look collection that was shown at Graduate Fashion Week in London.

What are you doing now?
Currently, my role is a Menswear Designer at ASOS. I design clothing product for the Jersey, Underwear, Lounge and Socks department. I have previous experience working on the Shirts and Causal Trousers department.
I work with a team that included Buyers, Merchandisers and Garment Technologists that collaborate in developing and delivering product for the 20-something customer. No day is ever the same, which makes the job very exciting!
My job has been able to provide me with many different opportunities like travelling overseas for product development and managing and coaching junior members of the ASOS Design team to develop their skill sets.

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?
The biggest asset of Trinity Academy is the Teachers. I was always encouraged by the staff in the Art Department to reach my potential. I was pushed to produce my best work, and that philosophy has continued with me throughout my career. I was also pushed to challenge myself. At the time, it was difficult to understand the necessity of this. But now, I will be forever grateful as this push out of my comfort zone allowed me to explore things I didn’t know were possible.

What advice would you give to current pupils?
I would really encourage any student to push themselves out of their comfort zone. An experience, whether it be successful or unsuccessful is a learning experience. This can only benefit you. It really helps develop and shape you as an individual. Take any opportunity that comes your way; you never know where it’ll take you!

Don’t let your success be defined by someone else.

Jack Morris

What did you do after leaving school?

I left school in 2013 at age 16 having achieved 14 GCSEs A*-C (1x A*, 9x A, 3x B, 1x C). Following this I enrolled in Selby College’s A-Level program, during which time I studied 4 A-Levels in Maths, Physics, History and German. It was during this time that I realised that I had no interest in following the path down which many others are led by the education system, and instead would look for other opportunities to learn and further my career rather than going to university. I then applied for several apprenticeships; being accepted onto programs with BAE Systems and Drax Power, ultimately choosing Drax.

With Drax I studied while I worked and got paid to do so. I achieved: City and Guilds Diploma in Electrical Power Engineering- Power Plant Maintenance (C&I), BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Electrical/Electronic Engineering (QCF) and a HNC in Electrical Engineering alongside the practical hands-on skills required for engineering and maintenance, such as; Welding; rigging and slinging; fabrication; pipe fitting; temperature instrumentation; pressure instrumentation; flow measurement. In 2018 I was awarded apprentice of the year for the Drax engineering apprenticeship scheme. Following my apprenticeship I continued to work at Drax Power from 2018-2021.

What are you doing now?

I made the decision to leave Drax in search of a new challenge and accepted a role as a Shift Automation Engineer at Amazon in March of 2021. In June of 2022 I was promoted to step-up Senior Tech and was responsible for the day to day running of a shift of 12 engineers, collecting metrics on production downtime and delivering a consistent safety culture throughout the department. I held this position for a further year before taking up my current role as Engineering Contract Controller.

My current responsibilities are sourcing contractors and materials, receiving and approving quotes for materials and labour, carrying out site inductions, performing safety isolations and writing the associated documents, performing contractor safety audits and spot checks, running engineering projects around the facility. In order to become more proficient at these roles I am currently studying NEBOSH General Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety, IOSH Managing Safety, ILM L3 in Leadership and Management and will be starting a NEBOSH Certificate in Fire Safety towards the end of 2023.

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?

Due to my natural ability, I believe that I would’ve succeeded at any school. I do, however, have very fond memories of a handful of teachers. Most notably Mrs N. Boughey, Mr A. Ramsden and Mr A. Thorpe who recognised and fed a great curiosity and willingness to learn within me, often discussing ideas far beyond the regular GCSE syllabus. Their subjects; sciences; German and history are all subjects I continue to seek out knowledge in, to this day.

What advice would you give to current pupils?

My advice to students would be: Whatever you are, be a good one.

Gemma Forshaw

What did you do after leaving school?

I completed BSc Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University.

Whilst at University I worked as a Nursing Assistant for Rotherham, Doncaster, and the South Humber (RDaSH) NHS Trust. I also worked in retail during and after University.

After volunteering in mental health services, I gained my first post as an Assistant Psychologist for a different NHS Trust, which I did for several years until I was accepted to complete my Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Nottingham.

What are you doing now?

I am a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist, working for the NHS.

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?

I was lucky to have some really great A Level teachers who helped me achieve my grades, they also gave me some useful advice on which Uni’s I might (or might not) enjoy. I also visited Cambodia with Trinity, which gave me the confidence to travel.

What advice would you give to current pupils?

Whilst academic life is important, it should never take priority over your mental health.

Enjoy yourself! Keep yourself well by taking time for your social and family life, mental health, and your physical health.

I regret not joining the Netball Club at Uni. I play now (for Thorne, we’re always welcoming new members!) and I love the sport and my team!

Josh Taylor

 What did you do after leaving school? 

I went straight to Durham University, from TA 6^th Form, to study Biomedical Sciences (2008-2012), achieving a 1^st Class Honours Degree and working in a Biochemistry laboratory for 1 year. I then went on to study Medicine & Surgery for a further 4 years (2012-2016) at Newcastle University, graduating with Merit and starting work as a Junior Doctor in the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. I also joined the British Army Reserves as a Medical Officer, having completed 2 months of Officer Training at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, current rank of Captain.

 What are you doing now? 

I’m currently 32 years old, working as an Emergency Medicine Doctor over in Belfast Royal Victoria Hospital. I also work part-time as a University Anatomy Demonstrator for Queens University Medical school in Belfast. I have a 2.5 year old daughter, and a son on the way! I also practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, currently a blue belt, and recently won a silver medal in the All-Ireland Championship.

 How did Trinity Academy help you get there? 

By allowing me to study the subjects I wanted (maths, biology, chemistry & physics). TA at the time fostered a good working/educational environment with new facilities and great teachers, and helpfully pushed me toward Higher Education at a time when my motivation was lacking. I wouldn’t be where I am now without TA.

What advice would you give to current pupils? 

Question everything, respectfully. Be curious. Have a critical, judicious, analytical mind-set - do the necessary research and reading yourself, and try to arrive at informed conclusions rather than assuming something is true simply because someone said it was. Don’t allow ideology & dogma to guide your thoughts & actions. Stay away from Social Media as much as you can. Get outside more - spend more time in nature than behind a screen. Don’t eat processed junk food – respect your body. Put effort into the friendships you make at school and thereafter – you’ll need their help for one reason or another in the future. Make your overall life goal this - be useful & helpful to people around you, arm yourself with knowledge and skills.

Molly Marsh

What did you do after leaving school?

After year 11 I knew I wanted to carry on my passion for Theatre so I went straight to drama school on a 3 year Musical theatre Diploma course at the Midlands Academy Of Dance And Drama in Nottingham. This lead to me to move away from home at the age of 15 for 3 years.

What are you doing now?

After training at Drama School I worked at a Haven Holiday Park in Devon as a Host/Presenter as I have gained a huge passion for presenting. I now perform every Christmas in pantomimes and work full time in Social Media on Tiktok YouTube and Instagram with an audience around 2Million followers after my appearance on Love Island season 10. 

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?

Trinity academy filled me with the confidence and maturity for taking that leap away from home, making bold and brave decisions and throwing myself into anything that comes my way. 

What advice would you give to current pupils?

Be yourself. Do what makes you happy and DONT follow the crowd. Be bold be brave be different. 

Neve Dilks

I would also advise students to learn to drive as soon as they can as it opens up endless amounts of opportunities. A lot of companies prefer someone who can drive as it means work flexibility. 

Sam Potts

What did you do after leaving school? 

I stayed on at Trinity Academy to complete sixth form studies as following my GCSE’s, I had no idea what I wanted to go on to do. Following my A-Level studies in Geography and Sport, I achieved an unconditional offer to study physiotherapy at Northumbria university but decided against going to university as at the time I didn’t feel it was for me. I worked at McDonalds for a year as a manager and then at Omega PLC as a warehouse operator for 6 months whilst I assessed my options and decided what I wanted to do. 

What are you doing now? 

I eventually fell into Policing and I am now a Police Constable working for North Yorkshire Police. I work as a response officer in the York and Selby command area, responding to a wide variety of incidents including road traffic collisions, mental health concerns, thefts, burglaries and domestic incidents. I am employed on the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) scheme. This means that I am employed as a full time Police officer but also complete a degree in Police Studies in my spare time with the Open University. This route allows me to earn money and work in a career I am passionate about, but also obtain a degree at the same time completely free of charge. 

How did Trinity Academy help you get there? 

Trinity Academy allowed me to study for my A-Levels with high quality teaching in two subjects I was passionate about at the time. As I didn’t know where I wanted to go after school, I chose to study subjects that I enjoyed and felt passionate about and a lot of that passion was created by the teachers who supported me over a long period of time. Miss Lawrence and Mr Witty taught me in both geography and sport respectively and both developed my passions in the subjects I studied, helping me to come out with the results I eventually obtained which allowed me to get a place with North Yorkshire Police. 

What advice would you give to current pupils? 

Firstly, study the subjects you enjoy at A-Level standard, this will help you to obtain better results if you are passionate about it. Finally, don’t feel like leaving and going straight to university is the only option. I am so much happier doing a degree apprenticeship as it suits me much better and I have found a career that gives me a huge amount of pride which I didn’t find straight out of school. It takes time. 

Shannon Holland

Tarry McKean

What did you do after leaving school?

I completed a BSC Economics degree at the University of Hull Business School. Following graduation, I started on the ALDI graduate scheme where I ran multiple stores across the UK and Australia.  

What are you doing now?

I am now the Merchandising Director for Aldi Great Britain and Ireland - so once the Buying team decide what products to launch, my department decide where it goes and what the future of Aldi looks like!

How did Trinity Academy help you get there?

Trinity Academy instilled the discipline that I have required in order to successfully climb the ranks at a Multinational company such as Aldi. I remember thinking that small rules like having our shirts tucked in, hair tied back, ties a certain length were pointless, but; being smart, well presented and well prepared has been a key factor in my success so far. As part of the Aldi graduate interview programme, if you don’t tuck in your chair and take away your mug after your interview - you don’t get the job! Discipline is key, and Trinity built the foundations I needed in this area.

What advice would you give to current pupils?

 If you don’t know what you want to do in the future, find a degree or apprenticeship that interests you. A lot of companies don’t care about the subject; but want to know that you’re able to learn at a particular level and have the discipline to stick it out. I didn’t know what I wanted to do… and still don’t! But I enjoy my job and that makes me happy, for now! And lastly, be yourself and let your personality shine through - that’s your main unique selling point!

Please could you also send a photo, perhaps in your workplace. Underneath your photo we would like to put the A-levels you undertook in sixth form and as you progressed to University - what did you study and where.

Tia Merrell

 What did you do after leaving school? 

After completing sixth form at Trinity Academy, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. My first degree was completed at the university of hull where I studied BioVeterinary Science. Furthering my education and goal to become a vet, I then went onto studying Veterinary Medicine and Surgery at the University of Edinburgh. Upon graduation I then became a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.    

What are you doing now? 

After graduating I moved to Dubai to complete a hospital internship at Dubai Equine Hospital, where we only specialised in treating sport horses. Since I enjoyed my internship, I took the decision to undertake another job here in Dubai and work as an ambulatory field vet.  

How did Trinity Academy help you get there? 

The school was able to help me achieve my goals through the excellent teaching provided! Many of my teachers knew my long-term career goal and believed that I was able to achieve this, knowing I had their support made me even more motivated. I honestly can say I had the best time at Trinity Academy and still speak with the teachers that helped me get to where I am today and I cannot thank them enough! 

What advice would you give to current pupils? 

Be confident in yourself that you can achieve your goals. If you don’t know how to achieve the goal, then don’t be afraid to ask the people around you for advice or help to get there! You need to be willing to invest time in yourself in order to gain the rewards of success. 

Daniel Bailey

 What did you do after leaving school? 

After leaving school, I continued working for DCLT as an indoor/outdoor lifeguard & activities instructor at multiple venues in Doncaster but predominantly Hatfield outdoor activity centre. This was all whilst I was I going through the process of applying to join the Royal Navy as a warfare officer. After the summer season had ended at the waterpark, I worked between October & December with a family friend who ran a confectionery business producing fudge and toffee, selling it at shows and Christmas markets across the north of England. After Christmas I continued working at DCLT and in April was put through numerous qualifications such as climbing, archery, paddle sports & axe throwing instructing prior to the centre opening up for the summer season. At the end of August 2023, I was given a start date from the Royal Navy to commence officer training at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) in January 2024.

Up until leaving I continued working however went back to working at the confectionary business until early December before leaving for the Navy in January.

 What are you doing now? 

Now Currently I am halfway through my initial naval officer training at BRNC, having completed the militarisation phase of training where I undertook a wide range of lessons and courses ranging from physical fitness, leadership exercises on Dartmoor, navigation & power boat training. When I go back for the second half of initial officer training, I will be deployed to sea for roughly 4 weeks to get an insight into how a ships company operates while at sea and be a part of the ships company and helping with the day-to-day jobs in different departments on board. Following this short deployment, I will then be returning to the college to undertake another leadership-based exercise in a maritime environment before then passing out in August, as a Royal Navy Officer with a Commission from the King and holding the rank of Midshipman.

How did Trinity Academy help you get there? 

Trinity Academy helped me massively in getting me to where I am today. The process of applying to join the Royal Navy as an officer is extremely long and you undergo numerous tests where they assess your aptitude, as well knowledge and understanding of the navy and the role you have applied for. Mrs Anderson, helped massively when it came to applying, digging out extra information for me which enabled me to display a great depth of knowledge in the assessments.

What advice would you give to current pupils? 

Advice I would give to current pupils interested in joining the Royal Navy or any of the other branches of the armed forces is apply early, it can take a long time to get a start date and the later you leave it the longer you’ll hanging around when you’ve finished school. Make sure that you know as much information about the role you’re applying for as possible prior to any interviews as they will ask you questions about as well the service itself, how it operate, what they do etc. speak to Mrs Anderson and the Careers Team, if they don’t know the answer there and then, they will find it out for you and help you get to where you want to be as much as they can.