We love to hear stories of how Old Hymerians are getting on after leaving Hymers College, and none more so than when they have graduated from Further Education.  Below is a roundup of the recent successes that we have heard of, but please note, that we will continue to add to this news article as we hear of more stories throughout the year:

To view the gallery of graduation photos below, please log in to your Old Hymerian account.

Alex Anderson, OH 2008-18

I recently graduated in my intercalation year at the University of Liverpool, completing a bachelor's of science in Pharmacology. I was fortunate enough to receive a 1st class degree, along with with an award from the British Pharmacological Society. It was a great year where I developed lots of academic skills, amongst others outside of academia. 

I now will return to medical school, where I will commence my fourth year of Medicine at the University of Liverpool. Placements for the year include the Countess of Chester, Warrington, St Helens, Alder Hey and the Walton centre - so lots of variation!

Georgina Barkworth, OH 2010-15

I have been studying for an MSc Business in Finance, after previously studying for a Ba Hons PR with Journalism, where I gained first class honours at Leeds Beckett University.  My most recent studies, where from University of Essex Online, as I was remote studying while working fulltime as a Marketing Manager for an interior design business.  It took just over 2 years as this was done while working and I gained a merit.  I plan to continue my career in Marketing for the Interior Design industry, as the degree was to develop my commercial ability and business acumen.

Olivia Brownlee, OH 2010-17

For the last 6 years, I have been studying Medicine (MBBS) and MSc in Clinical Anatomy at Hull York Medical School.  There I gained a distinction in MSc, (we don’t get grades for the medicine degree) and I’ve just started working as a junior doctor, doing my two year foundation programme in Pinderfields and Leeds hospitals. 

George Burns, OH 2015-17

On the 20th of July 2023, I was admitted to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons after graduating with a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Medicine and Science (BVMSci) from the University of Surrey. This achievement is shared with numerous people who have helped me during my academic progression, but none more so than the staff at Hymers and the alumni network of Old Hymerians. 

I am certain that the academic environment and support network at Hymers was the sole reason I gained a place at vet school. But looking back on my fond school day memories, I have come to realise that Hymers is also the reason I have been able to succeed over the past 5 years. The school instills an unwavering work ethic in the students that study there. Hymers makes you realise, aim for, and achieve your full potential. I firmly believe this is the single greatest asset anyone, student or otherwise, can posses, as hard work conquers all!

Claudia Clark, OH 2011-17

My university journey had a bit of a bumpy start to be honest! Straight after leaving Hymers I went to UCL to study Chemistry and left after 5 months - a series of unfortunate events meant I was just not having a good time! It ended up being for the best, as it gave me time to learn so much more about myself, work and do some travel!

I started at the University of York in September 2019 to study Chemistry with Biological and Medicinal Chemistry. My course was a 4 year Integrated Masters programme, which was unfortunately heavily impacted by the pandemic. However, in my final year I completed an independent research project, working with a PhD research group, and loved it!

I achieved a 1st in my project “Expression, Purification and Analysis of Novel Unspecific Peroxygenases” and an overall 2:1 in my degree.

Since graduating I’ve started a job at EPM Scientific, a specialist life sciences recruitment firm in London. I’m considering going back to Chemistry in the future, maybe even a PhD(!), but right now I’m enjoying City life. 

George Crooks, OH 2009-17

I studied BSc Economics at University of Exeter for 3 years, achieving a 1st class honours and the Deans Commendation (placed in the 95th percentile of my cohort). I’m currently working part time for golf tournaments for the DP World tour and plan on travelling around Australia and Asia from December. I then have a graduate job in September 2024 as an Assurance Associate for Ernst & Young.

Yamini Dabra, OH 2012-18

I studied Medicine at Newcastle University for 5 years. I graduated a month ago, and have just started work as a doctor at South Tyneside Hospital which is near Newcastle. I'm hoping to finish my 2 years of foundation training and go onto work in London in health tech or as a Clinical Fellow!

Cathy Dominic, OH 2010-17

I studied medicine at Barts & The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, from 2017-2023. I recently graduated with honours in my MBBS degree, winning Blues for university contributions, merits and distinctions for academic performance, and the Tam Ross Prize.  I also in this time completed an intercalated MSc degree at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, achieving a distinction in this too. 

I have now started work as an academic junior (foundation) doctor in the East of England deanery and will be continuing my interest in infectious diseases and microbiology through my research, whilst also working as a doctor.  I hope to eventually become a consultant in infectious diseases and microbiology.

To read more about Cathy's time at university, please visit Cathy's Road of Recovery to Graduation

Addi Duhan, OH 2009-18

I graduated with first-class honours in Mechanical Engineering (MEng) from the University of Bath.  In addition to the four-year MEng, I received two University Blues and spent an industrial placement year at the ITF in London.  I will be joining Sellafield Ltd as a graduate Nuclear Engineer on the E&M graduate scheme.

Millie Eason, OH 2014-19

Over the course of 4 years I have studied law at Northumbria University, where this year I have graduated with a first class combined LLB honours degree and masters degree in law alongside studying the LPC which is the solicitors qualifying degree. I went on to a graduate job as a paralegal in Clinical Negligence at True Solicitors where I very much enjoyed my time. I have now been successful in my training contract application at Samuel Phillips Law in Newcastle which I am starting on September 18th, following my travels in Thailand over the summer period. I will start as a Paralegal in the Employment and Litigation department which will later lead on to commencing my training contract! I am very excited for what the future holds as a trainee solicitor at such a well regarded and leading law firm in the north-east!

To read more, please visit our news article, Millie's Success

Hadeel Hassan, OH 2003-05

After finishing my PhD, I moved to Toronto, Canada to do a clinical fellowship in Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and recently, I had the opportunity to go to two graduations for the same fellowship (yes, we are very spoilt its a real shame the same doesn't happen in England).

One was with the whole paediatric department- all fellows graduating from all paediatric specialties attended this one, and the second one was the graduation specifically for fellows graduating within the paediatric haematology and oncology department.  I was chief fellow (a leadership role) for the second year of my fellowship and therefore I was also presenting the speakers and the fellows graduating.  I won two awards; one was the medical expert award for 2021-22, the other award was professional award for the year 2022-23.

To read more about Hadeel's career, please visit Hadeels Canadian Career in Medicine

Isabelle Horrocks, OH 2010-20

I have been studying BSc (Hons) Optometry at the University of the West of England, Bristol for the last 3 years, where I gained an upper-second class honours.  I have started my year of pre-registration for becoming a fully qualified Optometrist and once qualified, I hope to specialise in the Medical Retina clinics at the Eye Hospital.

To read more about Isabelle's time at university, please visit Optoversity Challenge 2023

Lewis Parkinson, OH 2010-17

So straight from Hymers, I successfully obtained a place at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) to study Quantity Surveying on a full-time basis.  Yet, it didn't take long for me to realise that this path was not my ultimate calling... Departing from NTU, I soon managed to secure employment with a local construction firm who kindly agreed to support my studies on a part-time basis, over the course of five years. After those five years, I was thrilled to achieve a 2:1 overall in Quantity Surveying BSc. In the coming months, I plan to embark on studying a MSc in Construction Law and Dispute Resolution whilst simultaneously gaining chartership from the RICS.

Georgina Railton, OH 2009-19

I have just graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Italian and Spanish with a year abroad from the University of York. It was a 4 year degree and I received a 2:2 award. I am currently working as a bartender and looking at different opportunities abroad.

Sameer Sekhri, OH 2009-19

I have studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester. This was a 3 year long course, but I did a year-in-industry at Croda, so it has been a total of 4 years since I started my studies.  I gained a first class result. I am now going to Imperial college London to do my Master’s year, also in Chemical Engineering.

Francesca Sellors, OH 2014-16

I have recently completed a Master’s degree in Political Science, with a concentration in Political Theory, at Columbia University. After studying for an intense but fun year, I achieved a GPA of 3.985 (equivalent to a UK distinction). I’m now back in the UK living in London, and am about to start a new job as Policy and Litigation Officer at the Ministry of Defence.

Sydney Stones, OH 2011-20

I pursued a BSc in Computer Science, followed by a unique degree apprenticeship with BAE Systems. I specialized in artificial intelligence and machine learning during my time at the University of Hull, where I achieved a first-class honours degree. My studies spanned three years, with two years of part-time learning and a full-time year at the university.

Looking ahead, I am driven to establish my own tech company, a journey I believe is brimming with potential in the AI space. The world of artificial intelligence presents countless opportunities for new ventures, and I'm committed to exploring this frontier to its fullest.

However, my real passion lies in the realm of motorsport.  As much as I'm committed to establishing my own tech company, I'm equally enthusiastic about transitioning into a career in Formula 1 or working with prestigious names like McLaren and Porsche. The high-performance engineering and cutting-edge technology in motorsport resonate deeply with my family's engineering background and personal interests.

I am grateful for the foundation Hymers provided, and I'm excited to take the skills I've gained into this new chapter.

Madison Taylor, OH 2016-20

I studied BA Fashion Journalism at the London College of Fashion, University of the Arts London.  I studied there for 3 years and I launched my clothing brand during my second year of university.  It is performing very well so I will be continuing to pursue that career, with a new collection launching soon! But in the mean time I am also working for a swimwear brand in London.

Olivia Williamson, OH 2015-20

I was studying Law at the Nottingham Law School, Nottingham Trent University. The course was 3 years long and I started university in the midst of the pandemic. I obtained a 2:1 in my Bachelor of Law (Hons) degree and I plan to take a year out to go travelling before embarking on the LPC/SQE to qualify as a solicitor.