Personal Development

Rihanna Ingleton - Clarke

A Level Economics, Art & Design & Photography

The Personal Development sessions, support and opportunities have pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, understand my strengths, and build better habits. It’s made me more resilient and more focused on who I want to become.

I’ve discovered that I’m capable of much more than I thought. I tend to doubt myself, but through this programme I realised that I’m driven, creative and determined, and that I actually thrive when I’m given responsibility. I’ve also learnt that even when things feel overwhelming, I always find a way through with consistency and support. At St Charles you’re supported academically but also as a person, and there are so many opportunities to develop yourself, get involved, and feel part of a community. If you’re willing to work hard and take advantage of the support, you’ll thrive here.

Ayodh Game Kankanamge

A Level Biology, Chemistry & Economics

The Elevate Series Masterclasses have really supported my personal development. They’ve taught me practical skills, like how to plan my time, study more effectively, manage deadlines and deal with challenges with confidence.

Through this programme, I’ve discovered that I’m more resilient and adaptable than I realised. I’ve learned that I can work well under pressure, stay calm, communicate clearly and take responsibility when needed.

I’ve also realised that stepping outside my comfort zone helps me grow the most.

I also really enjoyed the cultural capital visits — they’ve been one of my favourite parts of the programme. We travelled to so many places around London that I’d never been to before, and it helped me gain confidence, experience new things and understand different environments.

The PD programme and my placements support me with my subjects in a lot of ways. Skills like planning, communication and problem-solving help with biology and chemistry practicals, and with economics discussions and presentations.

It also keeps me motivated because I can see how my studies connect to real-life situations, especially in healthcare.

All the experiences at St Charles have helped me build the confidence and skills I need for that pathway.

If you’re willing to get involved, the college really helps you develop academically and personally.

The majority of St Charles students progress to university, with a consistently strong trend of around 80% securing places each year. Students go on to study a wide range of courses and subjects at a broad mix of universities, reflecting both academic ambition and informed career planning.

The remaining students successfully progress into apprenticeships, employment or gap years, many of which are taken with a clear intention to enter higher education the following year. Whatever their route, students are supported to make purposeful, well-informed decisions about their future.

Work experience is a core part of our personal development offer, ensuring students gain real-world insight and professional skills alongside their studies.

• 98% of Level 1 and Level 2 students secure work experience during each academic year

• 93% of A Level and T Level students secure work experience and complete volunteering

• 100% of BTEC students secure work experience and complete volunteering

These placements help students develop confidence, workplace skills and a clearer understanding of their future pathways.

Volunteering plays a key role in developing social responsibility, independence and transferable skills. Year 12 students volunteer with a wide range of organisations, including British Heart Foundation, Oxfam, local food banks and primary schools, contributing positively to their communities while building valuable experience.

Alongside this, students are currently completing work experience with organisations such as law firms, Enable Investment Holdings, pharmacies, and, for politics students, involvement with the Green Party. These opportunities expose students to professional environments and help them make informed decisions about future careers.

Anas Dayeh

Digital Transformation Officer

Anas now works across Westminster City Council (WCC) and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) within their bi-borough Children and Adults Social Care directorates. In his role, Anas designs and delivers digital improvements that make frontline services faster, safer and easier to manage.

His work sits at the intersection of strategy, procurement and innovation, translating policy and service challenges into practical, user-focused technology solutions. Anas’s journey highlights how strong analytical skills, real-world experience and confidence developed at St Charles can lead to influential roles shaping public services.

Alejandra Lozano Nodar (GMBPsS)

Low Intensity Therapist – NHS

Alejandra is currently working as a Low Intensity Therapist in the NHS in Wales, supporting mental health and wellbeing within clinical settings. She studied Psychology with Professional Placement at Cardiff University, gaining valuable hands-on experience alongside her degree.

Her professional journey includes experience with Mind, the prison service, and the NHS, demonstrating a clear commitment to helping others and developing specialist expertise. Alongside her NHS role, Alejandra is continuing her academic progression by studying a Master’s in Neuroscience and the Psychology of Mental Health at King’s College London, part-time and online.

Her pathway reflects how volunteering, work experience and academic ambition combine to support meaningful, long-term career development.