Where has the time gone?

As the academic year draws to a close, the Learning Support Department at St. Charles say goodbye to a cohort of their students who have thrived on their journeys in sixth form, some spending two years with us but others three or four years. We are incredibly proud of all they have achieved both academically and personally. Each student individually has contributed significantly to the college community, has grown in confidence and maturity and all are now ready to take on life outside the gates of St. Charles! Below is a summary of some of the fantastic next steps they are embarking on, and we wish every one of them the very, very best. We also look forward to welcoming them back as part of our Alumni, inspiring the next cohort to equally great accomplishments!

First Name	Surname	Course(s) at St Charles	Next Steps - Destination	Words staff choose to describe each student!
BUSINESS
Kiana	Duncan-Millwood	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Business	Kingston University- Business Management with Marketing.	“Determined & resilient.”
Ayub	El Haddad	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Business	Queen Mary University-Business; deferred for gap year internship.	“Pragmatic & upbeat.”
Santiago	Londono Ladino	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Business	The University of Law - Accounting and Finance.	“Reflective & ambitious.”
HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE
Fahima (Isha)	Begum	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care	London South Bank University - Adult Nursing.	“Intellectually inquisitive & dependable.”
Gentiana	Dervishi	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care with GCSE Maths	Westminster University - Public Health/Nursing.	Thoughtful & considerate.”
Kiyah-Marie	Millar	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care	Kingston University - Adult Nursing.	“Inspiring & tenacious.”
Latrice	McFarlane	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Health & Social Care	Middlesex University – Midwifery.	“Level-headed & responsible.”
ICT
Younes	Ferah	L3 BTEC Diploma in            IT	University of Westminster- BSC Computer Science.	“Calm & reliable.”
Mohamad	Ibrahim	L3 BTEC Diploma in IT	London South Bank University - BSc Computer Science.	“Charismatic & humorous.”
Jerry (Jeremiah)	Mahilum	L3 BTEC Diploma in IT	London South Bank University - BSC in computer Science.	“Engaging & creative.”
MUSIC TECHNOLOGY
Arian	Ravankhah	L3 BTEC Diploma in Music Technology with A Level Media	Employment or Apprenticeship in the industry.	“Talented & innovative.”
PERFORMING ARTS
Zaine	Richmond	L3 Cambridge Tech Diploma in Performing Arts	Liverpool Media Academy - London- Stratford campus - BA Hons in Dance.	“Exuberant & zealous.”
SCIENCE
Ali	Elmoubacher	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Applied Science	St Mary’s - Bio Chemistry.	“Driven & committed.”
SPORT
Alfie	McCarthy	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport	University of Kingston - Special Education Needs, Inclusion & Wellbeing.	“Pioneering & insightful.”
TRAVEL & TOURISM
Taniyra	Brown	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Travel & Tourism	Kingston University - Law (Foundation).	“Steadfast & motivating.”
Rahsaan	Fuller	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism	Employment or Apprenticeship – Hospitality.	“Serene & humble.”
Jaylen	Joseph	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism	Apprenticeship – Hospitality.	“Amicable & focused.”
Caiden	Mays	L3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism and A Level Media	Portsmouth University or University of East London - BA Hons in Media.	“Conscientious & positive”
Charles	Webb Carey	L3 BTEC Extended Diploma in Travel & Tourism	Internship - City of Westminster College - Catering & Hospitality.	“Exhilarating & jubilant.”

 

Whatever their final outcomes and destinations they all should be proud of their journeys and accomplishments! We wish them all the very best of luck with their nest steps. Below we shine a light on just a sample of their journeys across different curriculum areas in the college, but everyone listed above has had their own remarkable and individual success story which is celebrated in their Leavers Booklet (Please see our website). And on Tuesday 23^rd June they all joined together with the key staff who supported them on their journeys for a closing celebratory lunch at Nando’s, Bayswater which proved a very enjoyable afternoon-see photo collage at end of article!

Isha (Fatima) Begum

Isha came to us from St. Marylebone CE Bridge School. She has spent three years at St. Charles, progressing internally from Level 2 Health & Social Care to Level 3 Health & Social Care, which she has now successfully completed with flying colours!  Isha states that she feels she has become much more confident in both her academic ability and in herself as a person on her sixth form journey and we couldn’t agree more!

Perfectly suited to the Health & Social Care field, Isha demonstrated an exceptional work ethic throughout her time in sixth form. Conscientious and enthusiastic, she consistently developed her skills set and demonstrated them in practice in extensive work experience placements. She worked in nurseries, charities and school settings. She was highly commended when she returned to her old secondary school to help as a teaching assistant for her mature, helpful and professional approach. Isha rightly felt very proud! She also immersed herself in college life taking full advantage of the College’s Personal Development programme undertaking cultural capital visits and volunteering with a range of client groups in the community. For her enrichment, she enjoyed the Science Departments STEM Club and the Creative Arts Clay Club. Isha never shied away from trying a new activity or challenge!

When asked what her most memorable moment at St. Charles was, Isha said “one of my happiest memories was the Learning Support Christmas party this year because there was a great sense of community and fun between students and teachers at the end of a long term. I even won a prize which was rare, which I shared with my friends!” She stated her entire time at college has been filled with fun times, forging true friendships and relating well to peers, teachers and LS staff.  One of her greatest accomplishments she said is securing top grades in her final year helping her move onto her next steps. Isha is progressing to London South Bank University to study Adult Nursing. She states nursing is a career that will allow her “to support people in their toughest moments and make a real difference in their lives.” We unequivocally know that this will be the case and with Isha’s compassionate, pragmatic and utterly committed approach she will make a superb nurse! We wish her every success and look forward to welcoming her back to hear all about it in the future.

Ali Elmoubacher

 

Ali attended All Saints College, one of our feeder schools, before enrolling on L3 Applied Science, a two-year course which he has now successfully completed, achieving top Distinction grades. Ali cited that some of the highlights of his time at St. Charles were achieving excellent academic results and seeing a real growth in his independent and higher order study skills. He felt Science, especially Chemistry but not exclusively, played to his strengths and interests. He enjoyed both the practicals and theory and stated the educational trips and visits out to universities, laboratories etc were enjoyed and motivational.

Ali also completed volunteering as part of the College’s Personal Development Programme and he choose to work in a local library, serving the community. Other highlights were the friendships he’s made at St. Charles with “like-minded” peers. He feels he’s really grown in confidence socially compared to how he was at the start of the course.  He enjoyed participating in the Science Department’s STEM Club where he says it was “a great opportunity to learn more in depth about scientific issues and follow his passion. I relished learning about recent discoveries in the field outside the main curriculum topics taught.”

We asked him what his greatest accomplishment at St. Charles had been. He said his development and growth both academically and personally, especially in this year, his final year. His most memorable moments revolved around friendship groups; peer-studying or just general socialising with friends in the college day. He also said he really enjoyed discussing science topics with his LSAs and asking them about their own degrees in science and experiences to date.

Ambitious and goal orientated, Ali is now off to university to study Chemistry. His first choice is St. Mary’s. We are confident Ali will now make that transition comfortably and excel in his degree studies.

 

Santiago Londono Landino

Santiago attended London Oratory School before joining St. Charles Sixth Form College. Initially he considering studying Sport as he enjoys it a lot. However quite early on he decided to change his academic studies to L3 Extended Diploma in Business where he consistently demonstrated full commitment and diligence to his studies, maintaining an outstanding 100% attendance and punctuality record throughout his time in sixth form

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This final academic year (2025/26) has been a truly rewarding and successful one for Santiago in many aspects. He made noticeable progress academically, achieving excellent grades overall. He found the course content both engaging and intellectually stimulating, particularly the units that have provided him with valuable knowledge and specific skills relevant to his future studies and career aspirations. Santiago tells us “These transferrable skills will support my progression to university, where I intend to study a degree in Accountancy in September 2026. I have thoroughly enjoyed studying the various units, as they encouraged me to take a proactive approach to learning and research. The requirement to gather information from a range of sources helped me develop my independent learning skills and enhanced my overall understanding of the subject matter.” Another highlight for Santiago this year was his work experience at a major London hotel. He said “during this time, I not only strengthened my existing communication skills but also developed my employability skills such as problem-solving and creativity. I particularly enjoyed working in the different departments from reception to hospitality, to admin. All were fun and insightful.”  Santiago also fully participated in the Cultural Capital project as part of the College’s Personal Development Programme visiting key London landmarks with his peers, broadening his experiences and knowledge. 

Life at college has overall been thoroughly enjoyable he tells us. He was part of the college football team which was fantastic he recalls as “I made new friends and I also played badminton, which allowed me to meet even more people and build social connections.  These enrichment activities at college added variety to my routine and helped me grow personally and provided a nice respite from study.”  Volunteering at a youth club was another meaningful experience for Santiago. He found great enjoyment and satisfaction from helping and supporting children aged 6 to 14 with their activities there. It was a rewarding way to give back to the community he stated.

When asked what he would say was his fondest or happiest memory from his time at St. Charles, Santiago’s response was: “My fondest memories include being given the opportunity to study Business Studies but also to keep up with my sport. I represented the college as a member of the football team which I am proud of.  These experiences have been both rewarding and significant milestones in my educational and personal journey. I am particularly grateful for the outstanding support provided by the College; from my business studies teachers and LS team. Their assistance throughout lessons, coursework and examination periods, through clear task breakdowns, structured templates, exemplar material and continuous encouragement, has been invaluable. The dedication and commitment shown by both the Business Studies teachers and the Learning Support team have played a key role in helping me achieve my goals and make the most of my time at St. Charles.  I have grown significantly in confidence and maturity and feel now well prepared for life beyond St. Charles.”

In September 2026, Santiago will be progressing to university to pursue a degree in Accounting & Finance. He said “I am motivated by the prospect of developing the knowledge and skills required for a successful career in the industry. In the future I hope to use my qualifications and experience to establish and manage my own business, combining my passion for accounting with my entrepreneurial aspirations and I am sure I will continue to be involved with sports too!”

Santiago has been a very polite, well respected young man in our college community. Humble and conscientious, we feel confident he will continue to excel and achieve his future goals. We wish him every success.

 

Alfie McCarthy

Alfie joined St Charles from Hammersmith Academy, progressing internally from Level 2 Sport to the Level 3 Extended Certificate in Sport. Over the past three years, he has become a valued member of the Sports Department and a familiar face helping out in the college community. Alfie has achieved outstanding academic success during his time at St Charles. He completed the Level 2 National Extended Diploma in Sport and Exercise Science with DD** and went on to finish the Level 3 National Extended Diploma with an impressive Triple Distinction. His consistency, determination, and strong coursework performance have been central to his success.

As part of his programme, Alfie completed his work experience at Salgrave Youth Club, where he made an immediate impact. His professionalism and positive attitude were so strong that he was quickly offered a part-time job there, a role he has committed to every Friday for the past two years. Such dedication and commitment is commendable!  He has made a great impression on the staff there. They described him as: “Reliable, enthusiastic, and committed… someone who made a strong impression in a short amount of time. His positive attitude, willingness to help, and ability to connect with young people stood out. His consistency over two years shows real professionalism. Alfie brings energy, maturity, and responsibility to the youth club environment.”

Throughout his time at St Charles, Alfie also took part in our enrichment programme. He participated in Boxing and Basketball enrichments, and he proudly served as Captain of the St Charles Basketball Second Team. His leadership and teamwork were evident both on and off the court (extra-curricular).  During his course, Alfie has also contributed to the wider college community. He has been a committed Sports Department and cross-college Student Ambassador, regularly supporting open days and representing the college with enthusiasm. His willingness to contribute to the wider community has made him a valued member of the college.

When asked his most memorable moment at St Charles, he said “his happiest memories at St Charles include finishing his exams across all the three years and the moment he submitted his final piece of coursework in May was a moment of real joy!”  Alfie highlighted two major achievements: Graduating from Level 2 Sport, which gave him the confidence to continue onto Level 3 and overcoming a challenging period in Year 12 when he considered leaving to pursue a trade. After exploring the role, he chose to stay and went on to graduate Level 3 Sport with DDD, proving to himself what he is capable of and where his aptitude lay.

Having now secured a place at Kingston University, to study Education: Special Educational Needs, Inclusion and Wellbeing (BA Hons), he is excited about his next steps. As part of his degree, he aims to complete a placement at his former school, Hammersmith Academy, working in Learning Support—a role perfectly suited to his strengths and aspirations. This will be a great experience, and we truly believe Alfie will make a truly fantastic learning support assistant and that he is well suited to his chosen studies.  Some final comments from the staff who worked with Alfie during his time in sixth form “Alfie’s journey at St Charles has been one of remarkable growth, resilience, and increasing maturity. He has developed academically and personally, becoming more confident, determined, and reflective. Even during moments of doubt, he showed perseverance and a willingness to push through challenges. His strong work ethic, positive attitude, and openness to feedback have shaped him into a thoughtful and committed learner. Alfie leaves St Charles as a confident young adult, ready for the next chapter—one he approaches with clarity, purpose, and ambition. We are incredibly proud of everything he has achieved.”

 

Charles Webb-Carey

Charles studied at Maria Fidelis School in Camden before joining St Charles College in September 2022. He has been with us for 4 fantastic years, progressing from a Level 1 Vocational course with Functional Skills Maths and English to Level 2 Travel and Tourism in 2023 and onto Level 3 Travel and Tourism in 2024, gaining his GCSE English and Maths along the way. He also studied GCSE English Literature this year. Throughout his academic progression at St Charles, he has worked exceptionally hard and showed real grit and determination to succeed.

Charles’ academic and personal journey and accomplishments have been phenomenal during his time in sixth form. When asked his views he stated “My academic and personal achievements include receiving many awards and College certificates for my excellent attendance and punctuality, for always putting in the effort, meeting deadlines and being the best version of me that I could possibly be! I have always tried to be thoughtful to others and to get along well with people and go out to new places to meet and get to know new people. Winning the prestigious Jack Petchey Award (see link to JP article on college website) and attending the celebration in the Town Hall with my parents, teachers and peers present was a big moment for me.”

Charles did lots of volunteering and work experiences while at college including placements in the Hyatt Regency Churchill Hotel, The Tabernacle Theatre in Notting Hill, The Passage, (homeless shelter in Victoria Street), Variety in Camden, the St Charles College canteen working alongside our chef Adam, and also more recently working with the hospitality team at The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone. Wow, what an impressive collection! In all these placements. Charles worked extremely hard and made a fantastic impression.

For his enrichment activities, Charles did print making, photography, sketching, played table tennis, trampolining, football, basketball, gym and joined in the performing arts group at college. He also joined the Card Creation group too. What an equally impressive range of creative and fun activities!

When asked what his fondest or happiest memory was, he commented “among my fondest and happiest memories of St Charles are the occasions I received the awards, certificates and prizes!  I also enjoyed college life and chatting to staff like Mr Twist in the canteen at lunch times. I enjoyed going bowling with friends and my volunteering placements were memorable. The Prom and Nando’s events with my year group were a great end to the year also!  I liked working with classmates and friends like Maisy, Tanisha and Lexie, and with the whole LS team; with Liz, Mary, Maristella, Soteria, Joe, Jack W and all the LSAs who helped me.

I will always be proud of my achievements at St Charles College. Thank you to everyone. I will miss you all but hope to keep in touch. I am now looking forward to starting my Supported Internship in Catering & Hospitality course at City of Westminster College to follow my dream of becoming a successful chef.” Charles, we have no doubt this will be achieved; move over Mr Ramsey! Charles has been a sheer delight to have had in our college community. His spirit and personality are inspirational and infectious, and we will miss him dearly.