Testimonals and Alumni
Read the views of our past and present students.
Alumni and Testimonials
Hear from our former students, now part of a growing and inspiring alumni network, who have gone on to a wide range of exciting destinations. From leading universities and competitive apprenticeships to careers across diverse industries, their journeys reflect the ambition, resilience and opportunities that define life in our sixth form. Discover their stories and see where your own path could lead.
Before joining Cowes Sixth Form, Maddie never imagined she would apply to the University of Cambridge. Through the encouragement and support of staff, she grew in confidence both academically and personally and was inspired to aim high. Studying at Cowes helped her develop the ambition and self-belief needed to apply to one of the world’s leading universities.
Maddie went on to study education at the University of Cambridge, exploring psychology, sociology, philosophy and the arts through education. She now returns to Cowes Sixth Form to support current students, helping to inspire the next generation to believe in what they can achieve.
Mimi joined Cowes Sixth Form with a strong work ethic and a passion for learning. With the support and encouragement of staff, she continued to push herself academically and achieved outstanding A-level results, including three A*s and an EPQ. Cowes helped her stay motivated and confident throughout the university application process.
After receiving her results, Mimi secured a place to study History at Selwyn College, Cambridge. Her journey reflects the high aspirations and personalised support that help Cowes students progress to some of the UK’s top universities.
“I knew I wanted to apply to Cambridge, and they made me feel that it was possible.
When Beth started Sixth Form, she was unsure whether she could cope with the increased independence and academic challenge of A-levels. Cowes Sixth Form provided the supportive environment she needed to grow in confidence, develop her skills and pursue her ambition of studying law at Cambridge. Through opportunities and personalised university support, she discovered a passion for criminal law and learned to believe in her own abilities.
Beth went on to study law at Robinson College, Cambridge, and has since graduated. She is now working towards a career as a criminal barrister, crediting Cowes Sixth Form for helping her build the confidence, resilience and academic skills needed to succeed.
“It really developed my analytical and critical thinking abilities, whilst also allowing me to be creative.”
Before joining Cowes Sixth Form, Ines felt uncertain about the future. The supportive teaching staff and smaller sixth form environment helped build both her confidence and independence, while giving her the opportunity to explore subjects and ideas she was passionate about. As the first person in her immediate family to consider university, the guidance she received throughout the application process was especially valuable.
During her time at Cowes, Ines developed strong analytical and critical thinking skills and gained confidence in her academic ability. She has since gone on to pursue opportunities within the heritage and research sector, with ambitions to continue her studies further in the future.
Lauren chose to stay at Cowes Sixth Form after completing her GCSEs because of the strong support network and positive relationships she had already built with staff. Although she began sixth form lacking confidence in her academic ability, the encouragement she received helped her achieve beyond her expectations and inspired her to pursue a career in law.
After achieving excellent results, Lauren went on to complete both a law degree and a master’s in legal practice before qualifying as a solicitor. Now working in Bristol, she credits Cowes Sixth Form with giving her the confidence, self-belief and determination to build a successful legal career.
Jess credits Cowes Sixth Form with helping her develop the confidence and ambition to apply to some of the UK’s leading universities. With personalised support from teachers and opportunities beyond the classroom, she was encouraged to aim high and pursue her passion for geography.
Jess went on to study at University College London (UCL) and remains grateful for the support she received throughout her time at Cowes. She believes the sixth form environment helped prepare her for university life while giving her the confidence to achieve her goals.
Cowes Sixth Form provided Daisy with extensive support throughout the highly competitive medicine application process. From university advice to interview preparation, staff helped her feel confident and fully prepared to pursue her ambition of becoming a doctor.
Daisy went on to study medicine at the University of Southampton and now works as a doctor. She continues to support current Cowes students applying for medicine, helping others benefit from the same encouragement and guidance she received.
Kieran joined Cowes Sixth Form with ambitions to achieve, but like many students he was initially worried about whether he could meet the demands of his studies. Supported by trusted teachers and a positive learning environment, he quickly developed the confidence, resilience and academic independence needed to thrive. Opportunities such as serving as head boy and leading school events helped him grow both personally and academically.
Kieran went on to study at the University of Oxford, where the critical thinking and research skills developed at Cowes prepared him for the challenges of university. He now hopes to continue into postgraduate research and pursue a future career in academia.
“I was concerned that it would feel like two more years of secondary school. But it felt like a professional environment.”
Before starting at Cowes Sixth Form, Sam was unsure about his future direction and had not yet decided whether university was the right path for him. The supportive and professional environment at Cowes helped him discover a passion for psychology, while personalised feedback and university guidance gave him the confidence to aim higher.
Sam is now completing a master’s degree in clinical psychology alongside a placement as a psychological wellbeing practitioner. He credits Cowes Sixth Form with helping him develop the independence, motivation and opportunities that shaped his future career ambitions.
