Holly Critchlow

After finishing Sixth Form in summer 2016, I moved to Leeds and I began my studies in English language and linguistics at the University of Leeds. My A-level studies and the skills that I learnt throughout my two years in sixth form really helped with the transition to undergraduate-level work. I loved my course and made some life-long friends at uni; I was very sad to leave. Leeds is a really vibrant city with lots of students, and it felt like a home from home.

After graduating in Summer 2019 with a first-class degree, I decided to take a year out. During this time, I had a part time job in retail, and I travelled and saw friends that had moved to different places. During this period, I also applied for teacher training. I have always had a desire to teach, but it was the fantastic experience that I had at Wirral, from year 7 right through to year 13, that really inspired me to want to teach. I started my PGCE in secondary English in September 2020. I thoroughly enjoyed teacher training. It is challenging at times, but I have built a lot of resilience through my A-level and my undergrad degree studies, and Sixth Form really helped me to prepare for the demands of life and the workplace. I am able to build some great relationships with the pupils that I am teaching, and I find the experience highly rewarding.

I have really fond memories of Wirral Grammar School for Girls, particularly my time at Sixth Form. Where to start?! My teachers were fantastic, especially the English department. I always loved English, but having a really supportive and enthusiastic department inspired me to love English even more, which is why I am training to teach English now.

I think what was also great about sixth form was that the majority of pupils that started in year 7 stayed right through until year 13, which reiterates how fantastic WGSG and the sixth form is. It is fair to say that I miss Wirral, and I am so grateful for the skills and knowledge that I acquired during my time there. One day, I will hopefully have the opportunity to teach at Wirral myself!