Case Studies

This page includes a few case studies of former students of the College. There are also other case studies of recent successful students on the Success Stories page of this section.

Justin King
COURSE: A levels in Mathematics, Physics and Geology
YEAR: 1977 - 1979

Justin King came to the College from Tudor Grange School. He went on to study Business Administration at Bath University and then to work for Mars, Pepsi, Haagen-Dazs, Asda, and Marks & Spencer. He is now Chief Executive of Sainsbury's, where he has turned around the fortunes of the supermarket giant. Justin was awarded a CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours list in 2011. He was also made a member of the Prime Minister's Business Advisory Group in October 2010 and was part of the organising committee for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

“My time at Solihull Sixth Form College was key to my decision to go to university and study Business, and as such, pivotal in my career. I am delighted to say that more recently my daughter has successfully attended the College too.” 

Paul Normansell
COURSE: Advanced GNVQ Art & Design
YEAR: 1995 - 1998

Paul progressed to the Birmingham Institute of Art and Design and he has gone on to enjoy enormous success, with a long list of successful exhibitions and some high profile clients, including the top music band The Killers. Paul designed the artwork on The Killers' album “Day & Age” and their single “Human”. Indeed, the album cover won a Rolling Stone award for Best Artwork.

“I have very fond memories of my time at the College. Things have changed quite a bit since I was there and the new Art & Design School provides excellent facilities for the current students.”
  
Elizabeth Bower
COURSE: A Levels in Theatre Studies, Geography and Biology
YEAR: 1992 - 1994

Liz came to the College from Langley School with a love of performing and a desire to become an actress. She thrived at the College and progressed to Warwick University to study a degree in Theatre Studies. She later attended Mountview, where she did her post graduate in Acting. She has forged a successful TV career, including starring in BBC drama “Silent Witness” and BBC daytime day time soap opera “Doctors”. In between her acting and the marathons she runs she has been back to the College several times to support students.

“I loved my time at College. I had wonderful teachers and I enjoyed my courses. I’ve been invited back several times since I left College and it’s always great to see old friends and new students. The facilities have developed since I was there are it’s a fabulous learning environment.”

Jessica Smith
COURSE: A Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Mathematics
YEAR: 2006 - 2008

Jessica earned a place at Sheffield University to read Medicine. Before taking up her place at university, she took a Gap year and spent some time undertaking volunteer projects both at home and abroad. With the help of funds from the College’s volunteer trust fund, she journeyed to Romania and India. The latter saw her volunteer at a government-run school, teaching the children English and helping to set up a school in a gypsy community.

“I was so pleased with the support I received from the College and the funding to put towards my Gap year. My time in India and Romania was so rewarding, because I felt that I was really making an impact on the lives of disadvantaged kids.”

David Watson
COURSE: A Levels in Theatre Studies, Politics and English Language & Literature
YEAR: 2001 - 2003

David left College to read English & Drama at Queen Mary’s, University of London. By then he was already committed to a career in the theatre. Indeed, he wrote a play that was picked up by the prestigious Royal Court while he was still at College. In 2007, aged 22, his play “Flight Path” made it to London’s West End and then toured the country. He is now a BAFTA winner after his episode of the interactive BBC drama L8er, won the Best Secondary Learning Programme award at the Children’s BAFTAs.

“I’ve been back to visit the College since I left, even working with some of the Performing Arts students. It was great to see my old teachers again, who helped me so much during my time at the College, and wonderful to see the next generation of aspiring actors and playwrights.”