Ramel

I finished St Marylebone Bridge School in 2018. Then I went to West London College and I did Sports and Nutrition Entry Level Course. My second year I did a course called Employment and then my third year I did Hospitality and Catering in the mainstream. I completed Level 1 and Level 2 and now I am doing Level 3. 

I also work during the holidays with children between ages 8 and 13 with disabilities. My job role is to plan trips and activities for them. I also have lunch with them and I get paid as well!

I also work during the holidays with children between ages 8 and 13 with disabilities. My job role is to plan trips and activities for them. I also have lunch with them and I get paid as well!

My advice to students is, if you are going to college, choose a course that you enjoy. You have lots of opportunities to do work experience and make new friends. It will be hard at some point but make sure you are there every day, and don't be late. Make sure you do your work and listen to the teachers and ask them any questions if you are stuck.

Ghalia

I left St Marylebone Bridge School in 2019 with a Grade 5 on my GCSE English and I passed Level 2 Functional Skills Maths.

First, I went to William Morris Sixth Form and I studied A Level English, Level 3 Health and Social Care and took my GCSE Maths. I was there for 3 years. After Sixth Form I applied for a bunch of unis and was accepted by East London University to study Counseling. I did that for a year and worked out it wasn't the right course for me so now I've changed to Creative and Professional Writing. In the future I'd like to do teaching or write books.

One thing that really helped me was embracing my speech and language needs. Before starting at St Marylebone Bridge School I was very insecure about my learning needs and I felt out of place compared to other students because they were all so much faster than me. It took a lot of work for me to accept that I was in a school for students with SLCN but then teachers and LSAs showed me I am no different to other people and I can achieve so much with my speech and language needs and a few year later I have achieved things that I never imagined I could have achieved.

My advice to current students: Always be who you are!

Ali

After I graduated from St Marylebone Bridge school I went to Carshalton College and studied Motor Vehicles. I had trouble fitting it there and realised it wasn't the right college for me. 

The next year I moved to City of Westminster College and did Level 2 Science (Chemistry, Physics and Biology). Now I am studying ICT at the college. I passed my Level 2 with distinction and now I am doing Level 3. 

In the future I want to do Computer Science or Robotic Engineering at University. I hope to work in the field of IT - I'm not sure what specifically. 

My advice for students is work hard and don't give up on your goals. I would advise students to explore more before choosing their course and know that it's OK to change your mind about what area you are interested in. 

Isha

I left SMBS in 2023. I did my work experience in Year 11 at The London Clinic and that helped me work out that I wanted a career in health or social care in the future.

Now I am at St Charles Sixth Form doing Health and Social Care Level 2 BTEC. 

In the future I want to finish college and hopefully go to university and study to be a Therapist. I want to help people by understanding their thoughts and feelings.

Hamoudie

I left SMBS in 2021 and went to Westminster Kingsway College. I studied Construction Multi-Skills at Level 1 and 2 where I got to try out different trades. For my final year I decided to focus on Carpentry which is the trade I found most interesting. Next year I hope to find work as a carpenter.

My advice to students would be to listen to the teachers. Put your head down and pay attention because the things they teach you will stay with you through college and they are the skills you will need for the future.

Hatab

I finished SMBS 5 years ago and went to West London College in Hammersmith. I did Maths and English. Then I did a Supported Internship at Kensington Town Hall but it stopped because of Covid. Then last year I started the TFL Steps Into Work program. July is my graduation and after that I will look for a job as London Underground customer service assistant. Also I am a transport enthusiast. I make videos of bus and train journeys and do a bit of train spotting and bus spotting.

My advice to students at SMBS is to work hard.

Chloe

When I attended St Marylebone Bridge School I was appointed Head Girl, something I am still proud of today. After I graduated, I enrolled at Westminster Kingsway College and did lots of work experience. 

I graduated with the following diplomas.

• Food and Beverage Service supervisor L3
• Award front of house - Reunion de Gastronomie.
• C&G - Professional Cookery L2.
• Award WSET - Wines & Spirits L1.

I achieved the following GCSEs 

• English Language L4. 
• Maths L4. 

I volunteered work at the following venues.  

• Royal Lancaster Hotel.
• Hurlingham Club.

After Covid I secured a job at a 4 star hotel where I now work as Front Of House. At 18 I passed my driving test first time and now I drive everywhere. I got engaged and I am now happily married. All my achievements have made who I am today. 

My advice for students is to do what makes you happy. Make sure you do what you’re passionate about. If you think you can do something, do it. Don’t hold back. But always remember that there are so many places and options available to explore new skills and opportunities. 

Shakil

I left SMBS in 2022 and I went to City of Westminster (Paddington) to study. What I studied was Sports Diploma Level 2. Now I am on Level 3. When I finish I want to go to university or do an apprenticeship in the field of Sports. In a few years I can see myself being a PE teacher or personal trainer.

My advice is when you go to college, get to know the rest of your class in lectures. When you first join it is just you on your own, but once you start getting to know everyone you will feel comfortable and it gets easier from there and you will start making friends.

Amin

As of Jan 2026, I am in my first year of college. I left SMBS after completing my GCSEs, and it was not an easy journey. As a result of my hard work, I achieved the following GCSEs: English, Maths, Computer Science and Combined Science

My start at SMBS was challenging. I struggled with confidence, especially when speaking to new people, and the higher level of work was a big step up for me. However, the teachers at SMBS are incredibly supportive, and students like me will build strong relationships with staff. This support helped me feel more comfortable over time, make friends, and enjoy learning.

One of my favourite experiences at SMBS was BMX. I first had the opportunity to take part in Year 8, and it was something completely new to me. Riding a bike on a bumpy track was honestly terrifying, but that was part of the excitement. The image shown is from when I did the same activity again in Year 10. This experience revealed a passion I never knew I had, and without SMBS, I would never have discovered it.

During the GCSE period, SMBS gave me a chance I will always be grateful for. Normally, students are only entered for English and Maths GCSEs, but I believed I could do more. The staff recognised my determination, and they gave me the chance to take additional subjects. Because of their belief in me, I now have five GCSE equivalents.

I am also very thankful for the support they gave towards my passion for music. I love playing the piano, and at the time I did not have access to a working one at home. The school allowed me to use their piano during lunch times, and they also offered lessons from professional teachers.

Finally, I want to mention the level of care and support SMBS provides. Special thanks to the Wellbeing Team for being there for me during all of my hardest moments. Even now, while I am in college, they continue to support me, which shows how much they genuinely care about their students.

I am currently studying IT Level 3 at Morley College, and it really reminds me of SMBS. The staff are friendly, supportive, and continue to help me build confidence, just like before.

My advice to students is to work hard, stay confident, and never believe that no one cares. There will always be people around you who want to support you.