My favourite memory of William Edwards:

I thoroughly enjoyed all years of school and have many fond memories from day trips and sports events to simply playing rounders on the field in P.E.
However, the PGL trip to the South of France in 2012 has always been a highlight for me.

Post 16 education/training:

After leaving William Edwards I went on to Palmer’s College to complete my A levels. In my final year I secured a place at Kent University to study Law, however I had become interested in completing an apprenticeship in order to qualify as a lawyer. I remembered a talk, carried out by two lawyers from Kennedy’s Law, which I had attended at William Edwards in my final year and so I started to carry out my own research into alternative routes to qualifying.

Higher Education:

I applied for a legal apprenticeship at HM Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) and was successful on the condition that I achieved 3 A levels at A*-C grade. Thankfully come results day, I was able to reject my offer from Kent University and accept the job at HMRC.

When joining HMRC I was placed as an Officer Paralegal on a busy litigation team in the Solicitor’s Office and was told that I had conduct of my own cases. I carry out all of the legal work, including the advocacy in the High Court, County Court and Regional Courts with no supervision from a lawyer. After being with HMRC for a year I decided to apply for a promotion to become a Higher Paralegal on the same team and I was successful.

Throughout my apprenticeship I have sat law exams every June and January. So far I have achieved distinctions in Law of Tort, Contract Law, Employment Law, Practice of Employment Law, and Civil Litigation. I have also completed two practical units; Client Care Skills and Legal Research Skills. Due to studying A level Law I was exempt from certain exams such as Criminal Law.

I have now moved on to the Level 6 apprenticeship and I have been given a qualifying date in two and a half years’ time. I now only have four exams and two practical units remaining. I will then have to create a portfolio that illustrates two years’ worth of my own legal work, which will be assessed by my regulator. If my work meets all of the competency requirements to the standard expected, I will then become a fully qualified lawyer.

My proudest achievement:

My proudest achievement is being awarded an “Outstanding Apprentice” at the House of Lords in 2016.

Life and lifestyle events, hobbies & interests and personal achievements:

I play netball in the Thurrock netball league and enjoy going to the gym. I also enjoy cooking meals and hosting dinner parties. I set up a netball team for HMRC Solicitor’s Office and we went on to join the civil service netball league.

My advice to the present pupils of William Edwards:

My advice to present pupils would be to start thinking about what they want to do when they leave school. If, like me, they are lucky enough to know from a young age what they want to do for their career; they can begin to research what qualifications/skills they will need in order to achieve that. However, if pupils are unsure on what they want to do then they shouldn’t put unnecessary pressure on themselves. They should opt for something they are interested in and feel they will be able to exceed in. I would say the main focus for present pupils should be to work hard for their GCSE’s. GCSE’s are invaluable qualifications and are a good way of demonstrating to a potential employer that you have worked hard from a young age and therefore have been consistent with your dedication.

Lastly, I would advise pupils to enjoy school and make the most of opportunities that are available to them and also any advice/assistance from teachers.

My next goal:

My next goal is to successfully complete my studies and my portfolio in order to achieve my dream of becoming a lawyer.