Thornleigh Alumni

Alex Raw

“I left Thornleigh Sixth Form in 2017 after completing A Levels in Chemistry, Biology, and Maths, before joining the University of Manchester to study an integrated Masters in Chemical Engineering, graduating with first-class honours in 2022. After university, I joined the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory as a Process Modeller, applying chemical engineering principles to develop mathematical models of nuclear processes. I now primarily focus on the research and development of novel energy systems, integrating nuclear power with other energy technologies to support the transition towards net zero”.

McGinlay Parkinson

“Upon leaving Thornleigh Sixth Form in 2023, I now study at the University of Liverpool. Now in my final year studying a BA in International Relations, I have had the opportunity to widen my personal and professional development. I have interned with two separate MPs, focusing on their casework, communications and parliamentary business as well as attending a number of university groups to discuss the impact of conflict in our world today such as the impact of foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict.

I have also been part of a number of societies at university, including Amnesty and Politics Societies where I was involved in organising charity events. This year, I will be continuing to widen my work experiences by getting myself involved with charities focused on mentoring young people and working on a project with the university by analysing the Ministry of Defenses ‘Merlin’ Archive, investigating the impact of Britain’s nuclear programme on soldier’s physical health during the Cold War. I look forward to applying for Graduate Schemes within the Civil Service, as well as looking for work within political parties at the heart of British Politics”.

Ella Thompson 

“I left Sixth Form in 2019 after studying A Level Psychology, Geography and English Language. I went on to study Criminology at The University of Sheffield and had a brilliant time there. I graduated with a 2:1 and a postgraduate diploma in Cognitive Studies. After finishing university I moved home to Bolton and created a walking group in Manchester, which ended up being the city’s biggest community for women to make friends. We expanded across the UK to over 35 towns and cities. I now live in London and work for a start-up tech company called CLIQ, which helps people find community and meet new people!”.

Dr Freddie Stevens

“At Sixth Form I studied Business, Economics and BTEC Sport. Since then I studied at Cardiff university where I went on to train as a Chiropractor and now run my own practice, helping people improve their health and get back to the activities they love.

It’s been a rewarding journey where I’ve been able to combine my interest in sport and health with running a business”.

Shaniqua Taylor

“I left Thornleigh 2023, having chosen Maths, Chemistry, and Physics for A Levels and achieving an A*AA respectively. For my degree I'm currently studying for a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Liverpool. My interests lie in fluid dynamics, and I have taken part in various projects, including a summer project where I worked with my professor in training a neural network to output information about turning waste into jet fuel. Currently, I am at the beginning of a project where I will analyse different fluids flowing through an expansion geometry. I hope to be chosen for the University's Formula Student team where you get to design and build a race car, and when I complete my degree I would love to work in Formula One and undertake a PhD”.

Callum Crosby

“I left Sixth Form in 2019 after studying Geography, Biology and Business Studies. Since leaving I managed to secure a Chartered Degree Apprenticeship in Quantity Surveying with a Civil Engineering Company based near Chorley. The 4-year Apprenticeship allowed me to study 1 day per week at the University of Salford, whilst the other 4 days was spent working as a Trainee/Assistant QS. After achieving a First Class Honours in Quantity Surveying (BSc) with three awards for the highest performing student, I made the decision to look for opportunities abroad. I have recently relocated to Oklahoma, America, working as a Cost Manager on Datacenter Construction projects”.

Beth Johnson

“I studied Business Studies, Photography and English Language at A level. After Sixth Form, I went to Lancaster University to study Marketing. In my second year of university, I moved to Melbourne, Australia to do a study abroad exchange year, where I also did an internship in Marketing. After finishing my degree, I worked in Social Media Marketing at Deloitte UK (a professional services company).

After 2 years of working there, I moved to Zurich, Switzerland, where I now work in digital marketing, focusing on social media, websites and advertising at another professional services company called PwC”.

Georgia Barnes

“After studying A Levels in Psychology, Geography and Mathematics at sixth form I went on to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology.

I am  now pursuing a career in mental health, completing a professional doctorate as a Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist with the NHS, supporting young people through long-term therapy”.

Harry Gregori

“At Sixth Form I studied Business Studies, Geography and Psychology and went on to study Business Studies at Liverpool John Moores University. I enrolled onto the International Business and Management course where I enjoyed 3 good years. I quickly developed a passion and desire to work within the finance sector.

After I graduated I began working for Bank of New York Mellon, an American International Finance Company. I have enjoyed four good years across multiple sectors of the business and I’ve also experienced three promotions. My key takeaway would be to network as much as you can, as this can lead to many great opportunities”.

Jake Wiggins

“I left Thornleigh in 2018 with ABB in Business Studies, English Language and Geography and started a degree apprenticeship with a sub contractor as a trainee quantity surveyor.

They specialised in large scale projects within different sectors so I was able to get some good experience early on. I was able to use this to secure a position as an estimator for a civil engineering contractor a few years later”.