“STUDENTS IN THE SIXTH FORM SAY THAT TEACHERS HELP THEM TO DO WELL IN THEIR LEARNING. THE CAREERS ADVICE THAT THEY RECEIVE HELPS THEM TO DECIDE ON THEIR FUTURE CAREER. THEY STAY TO FINISH THEIR COURSES. ALMOST ALL MOVE ON TO APPROPRIATE DESTINATIONS AT THE END OF YEAR 13.”

James Malone

Currently: Senior lecturer in sports science at Liverpool Hope University and also works as an independent consultant to a number of professional football teams.

Attended Rainhill Sixth: From 2004-2006.

A-levels in: Biology, PE and Geography before going on to study an MSc in Sports Physiology and then a PhD, all at Liverpool John Moores University.

“I attended Rainhill High from years 7-11 and a lot of my friends stayed on to the 6th form which influenced my decision to stay on. I also liked the teachers in the subjects I was going to take at A level. I enjoyed the social aspect, Sixth Form enabled me to really start to socialise with others, as I was quite quiet and studious in high school. The teachers we had were first class and always encouraging to the students. In particular, given I went on to study sports science at university, I learnt a lot from the PE department and it helped ignite my interest in physiology (alongside my biology classes).”

Alex Graham

Currently: After working for a law firm in Los Angeles, then working as an advisor for MPs, Alex is now studying to be a barrister and alongside running his own legal and public affairs consulting firm.

Attended Rainhill Sixth: From 2009-2011.

A-levels in: Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths, Economics, Government and Politics before going on to study Law at Oxford University.

“I liked the smaller class sizes and the comfort that having pre-existing relationships with teachers gave to me. I’d really enjoyed my time at Rainhill High and the Sixth Form seemed like the natural next step. The thing I really enjoyed about Rainhill Sixth Form, apart from the bacon butties that were available in the Bistro, was the support that the teachers gave you to go beyond your comfort zone and try new things. I also really liked the way that teachers really valued you as a person. Sixth Form gave me the confidence to express myself and show leadership. I really became interested in law and politics through the School Council and while I was at Sixth Form, I set up an Inter School Council that would bring students from every school across St Helens together to solve issues that mattered to all of us.”

Alex Mather

Currently: Alex is working as a Graduate Civil Engineer, within the Bridges discipline, at global consultancy WSP.

Attended Rainhill Sixth: From 2012-2014.

A-levels in: Maths, Further Maths and Physics before going on to study Civil Engineering at the University of Leeds.

“I chose Rainhill Sixth as I had already established a good relationship with the teachers and because of the smaller class sizes. I most enjoyed my trip to India with 12 other Sixth Form students with the expedition company True Adventure. I went on the month-long trip at the end of Y12, back in 2013 and whilst there we renovated a local school and completed a trek through the Himalayas. It was one of the best experiences of my life and one which I still hold close to my heart 7 years later. Rainhill Sixth Form gave me the opportunity to attend an Engineering Career Fair in Liverpool – it was at this event that I was most intrigued by Civil Engineering as a career, and ultimately what inspired me to study it in University. The advice from staff regarding further study was also spot on. All teachers are so approachable.”

Andrew McNally

Currently: Andrew is an Emergency Medicine Doctor working in the Accident and Emergency Department at Whiston Hospital.

Attended Rainhill Sixth: From 2009-2011.

A-levels in: Chemistry, Biology, Geography before going to study Medicine (Medicine and Surgery MBChB) at the University of Liverpool.

“I chose 6th Form because of the small class sizes, the familiarity I already had with the teachers and because of the support I knew the 6th Form would offer attempting to obtain a place at Medical School. I enjoyed the family/community feeling at 6th Form and the feeling that teachers were always looking out for my best interests. I also enjoyed the opportunities offered to me by 6th Form to advance my career, such as attending University open days and gaining work experience in the labs at Whiston Hospital. Through the support and guidance offered by a dedicated teacher cohort and small class sizes, Rainhill 6th Form helped me achieve the A Level grades I required for Medical School. The 6th Form Staff also helped to provide direction and recommendations throughout my UCAS application and University interview process, helping me to secure a place at University. ”