Olivia Robinson, Class of 2017.

Olivia went on to study Chemistry at the University of Manchester, graduating with First-Class Honours and receiving the Colin Campbell Memorial Prize. During her time at Manchester, Olivia was a member of both the university string orchestra and campus hockey team, as well as holding the role of ChemSoc treasurer. In her final year she organised a departmental event for International Women’s Day 2020, which celebrated the many remarkable achievements of women in chemistry and hosted academics from across the country. Upon completion of her studies, Olivia accepted a position on Trafigura’s global graduate programme and is currently completing her first rotation within their Geneva office.

“I joined Bridgewater in Prep III, and the fact that I stayed right through to Sixth Form speaks for itself. You would be hard pressed to find another academic institution that succeeds so strongly in catering to the individual needs of every pupil.

My many years at Bridgewater were integral in forming me into the person I am today. The small class sizes built my confidence and ability, and my academic curiosity was encouraged by dedicated, passionate teaching staff. I never once felt as though I didn’t have the support system in place to achieve my goals.

A-levels are an incredibly difficult time, and I owe a special acknowledgement to the Sixth Form in preparing me for university. In particular, the Head of Sixth is absolutely committed to helping you through every step of the process, whether it be UCAS applications, obtaining your dream university place or helping you decide the next step of your academic career. If not for the guidance I received in my sixth form years, it’s very possible I wouldn’t have ended up on a degree course I so thoroughly enjoyed.

I recently organised an International Women’s Day event at the University of Manchester to which my A-level Chemistry teacher was invited as one of our special guests, demonstrating how the support and encouragement you receive from Bridgewater doesn’t end once you move on to the next step. The life skills you develop will stay with you long after you leave. I felt able to start a career that involves me moving across the globe, a choice I felt comfortable making as a direct product of my education, and the teachers who believed in me every step of the way.”