Erika lives on the Clayton/Beswick border and joined Connell from our partner Trust school, Co-op Academy North Manchester. She studied Triple Business BTEC.

Erika has applied to UCLan (the University of Central Lancashire) to study the three-year BA (Hons) Business and HR Management course. After graduating, she would like to work in HR in the education sector in the UK.

Erika has taken part in two enrichment classes. Sygnature: an immersive experience where students transform their perceptions of sustainability and its importance in life and commerce. And, LGBTQ+ Club: discussions on how the community is perceived, and what changes can be made at Connell to improve comfort for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Erika volunteered as a Student Ambassador and was awarded Ambassador of the Year in the year-end awards, with one nomination stating: “She has attended the most interview evenings and stayed until the very end - always smiling!”

Erika, on her time at college, said: “I have enjoyed every second at Connell. College was a turning point for me. I often worried I wasn’t doing enough or that everything I did would end in failure, but the support and staff at Connell greatly helped me achieve my goals and grow as a person. I enjoyed my studies, especially BTEC Business, which helped me discover my passion for human resources, culture, diversity, and inclusion. 

“I made lots of good memories, and all my teachers have been the perfect role models, with many supporting me during difficult times. I will miss being able to communicate so openly and freely with any person in college. I’m not sure where life would have taken me if I’d not gone to Connell, but coming here was the best decision I ever made.” 

Daniel Bellis, Business Teacher, said: “Erika is a wonderful example of a student with drive, she consistently acts as an example to her peers and sets the standard for work expected. While I have not seen her progression since first year, I can definitely say that the standard she has set has been a benchmark for other students and I am immensely proud of her achievements. Erika is someone who genuinely wants to be the best version of herself, whether it be through volunteering for college events, helping other students, or seeking out help when it is needed and giving 100% with everything she does.”

Lily lives in Hyde and joined Connell from Alder Community High School (Hyde). She studies Triple BTEC Sport, Coaching and Development and is hoping to get DDD.

Lily has accepted a one-year scholarship with Manchester City Women's Football Club (MCWFC). She currently trains with the team twice a week, but will join full-time and mirror their training schedule. At the end of the year, Lily would like to get a professional contract with the club. If unsuccessful, she would look at getting her football coaching badges or becoming a physical trainer. 

Lily won our Sportswoman of the Year award at our end of year awards due to her involvement with MCWFC first team and being picked to represent England Women’s Under-19s in some recent competitions. 

Lily has volunteered by doing some football coaching with local primary schools inside Manchester City’s indoor dome. And has been refereeing some local primary school matches too.

Lily, on her time at college, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Connell because I made friends for life and enjoyed all the opportunities college offered. The nutrition module was the most interesting thing I learnt about. My favourite memory is the amount of different sports that I could play within the practical element of my course. The thing I will miss most about college is the different opportunities to take part in alongside your studies.”

Ryan Usher, BTEC Sport Tutor, said: “Lily has been the perfect example of an exceptional and dedicated student athlete. It’s not easy to balance a busy and demanding football schedule alongside a Triple BTEC course. Lily now joins a list of a number of girls from Connell who have progressed into the MCWFC first team. All of our staff are really proud of her and wish her the best of luck in the future.”

Maci lives in Droylsden and came to Connell from Droylsden Academy. She studies Triple Sport and Exercise Science BTEC. 

Maci has accepted an offer to study the Chiropractic MSci (Hons) degree at Teesside University - becoming the first Connell student to enrol on a chiropractic course. Chiropractic is a healthcare profession concerned with the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system and the effects of these disorders on the function of the nervous system and general health.

To get onto the four-year course, Maci needs to get Triple D but is hoping to get Triple D*. When she graduates, she would like to go and work in New Zealand - the university has contacts over there and is able to support the transition.

Maci has enjoyed her time at Connell, taking part in volleyball enrichment; work experience shadowing a physio; completing a first aid course at Manchester Institute of Health and Performance; and has volunteered refereeing children’s tournaments at Manchester City Football Club.

Maci on her time at college, said: “I would highly recommend Connell as you are greeted with a friendly and welcoming environment each day, as well as being provided with an impeccable support system. At Connell, the teachers ensure you and your work are prioritised, helping to optimise your progress and future achievements.”

Erin Rosenberg, Director of Next Steps and Teacher of PE, said: “Maci has exemplified the true spirit of academic excellence and dedication throughout her college journey. Her outstanding grades, willingness to seize every opportunity, and perfect attendance are a testament to her hard work and determination. As she embarks on her next chapter to become a chiropractor, we are confident that her exceptional skills and commitment will continue to lead her to success. Congratulations, Maci, on all your achievements!’’

Mariia lives in Old Trafford but grew up and studied in Kyiv, Ukraine, where she was studying prior to the Russian invasion and joining Connell. She studies three A Levels: Media Studies, Business Studies and Psychology.

Mariia has applied to study a media related degree in London at either King’s College or UCL. She needs three As to get onto the course and wants to study in London as ‘media is about connections’ and it’s one of the most connected cities. She has a website portfolio to showcase her media experience. 

Mariia became interested in media through her other passion: dancing. She was part of the Light Balance dance troupe that came third in the America’s Got Talent: All-Stars show in 2023.

Mariia has really enjoyed her time at Connell and the supportive staff. She has taken part in the Art Society and Cinema Society enrichment classes, and volunteered at Culture Day. She is currently looking for internships this summer in Manchester and London, with St Luke's London, a creative agency, being one potential destination. 

Mariia, on her time at Connell, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Connell because of the incredible support from the staff and teachers. They were always ready to help and often worked overtime to ensure I had the resources and guidance I needed. This was extremely important to me, especially because of my sudden move to the UK. I will miss Connell’s dedicated staff who go above and beyond for their students. I would definitely recommend this college to a younger sibling because of its supportive and nurturing environment.” 

Jon Green, Business Teacher, said: “Mariia has excelled in A Level Business, consistently producing excellent work and always goes above and beyond with her independent work. Class debates and discussions regularly feature high-level input from Mariia. Even when she has taken time out for work experience placements, she has managed to keep on top of her work and makes sure that she is prepared to succeed in her next assessment.”

Sam lives in Gorton and joined Connell from Wright Robinson College (Gorton). He studies Triple Business BTEC and is hoping to get three D*.

Sam has received an offer from Manchester Metropolitan University to study the three-year BSc (Hons) Banking and Finance degree. After graduating, he would like to get a job as a Carbon Accountant (when it's created) in Manchester. 

In our end of year awards, Sam won the Shining Star award with some of the nomination text stating: ‘outstanding student who represents the college superbly well at events,’ ‘consistently resilient and epitomises all of our Co-op values,’ and ‘ he takes advantage of all work experience opportunities, he’s a role model to his classmates.’

Sam has taken part in Duke of Edinburgh enrichment and has been an active volunteer at the Salvation Army in Openshaw since January 2023, which he saw advertised in college. He was also a founding member of Connell’s LGBTQ club, Eco literacy Champion and Subject ambassador. 

Sam, on his time at college, said: “I have really enjoyed my time at Connell because every day I got to try something new and through my teachers’ guidance and support, I was able to venture out of my comfort zone and become the person I am today. The teaching is sublime; they made every lesson entertaining and unique. The most interesting thing I learnt about was the importance of sustainability and how it must be considered in all aspects of business. 

“The support and accommodation from both the wellbeing team and staff can only be described with one word “outstanding”. I do not believe I would have been able to accomplish so much and have a great experience without their continuous guidance. My favourite memory about my time at Connell is going to an eco meeting and randomly being asked if I would like to see the college bees. I was then putting on a beekeeping suit and stood on the roof holding a beehive before I knew it. This level of opportunity and unexpectedness is why I loved my time at Connell!”

Adam Woodley, Teacher of Business and Sport, said: “Everything Sam touches turns to gold and this is simply due to the fact that he puts so much effort into everything he does. He says yes to every opportunity presented to him and is leaving Connell with more experience of the workplace than most university students have when they graduate. He is not afraid of a challenge and is always keen to support other people. I foresee that he will go on to have a very successful career and will one day be shaking hands with the likes of Alan Sugar.”

Zohaid lives in Hulme and came to Connell from Burnage Academy for Boys. He studies Double BTEC Business and A Level Media Studies.

Zohaid has secured a place at the University of Manchester to study the three-year BA (Hons) Digital Media, Culture and Society degree. He needs to get Double D and a B to get onto the course. After graduating, Zohaid would like a career in the media industry. 

He’s into cars and currently does work experience at a Ferrari, Rolls-Royce and McLaren car dealership in Wilmslow, supporting them with their social media and photography. 

Zohaid really enjoyed his time at college. He volunteered to help organise Connell’s super successful and really popular annual Culture Day - his favourite college memory, “a vibrant celebration of diversity and community spirit” - which saw him rewarded with winning the volunteer of the year award. He’s also taken part in some charity work collecting money for Manchester Mind, and he chose football for his enrichment class. 

Zohaid, on his time at college, said: “Connell has been the greatest two years of my life. The dedication and encouragement from my teachers has been outstanding, with each of them playing a significant role in my academic and personal growth.

“The supportive environment, engaging studies and diverse extracurricular activities provide a well-rounded educational experience. Participating in volunteer work and enrichment activities has also been incredibly rewarding. I will miss the warm, inclusive atmosphere and the strong sense of community at Connell. The friendships and connections I've made are irreplaceable.”

Gary Ludford, Business Teacher, said: “From the moment Zohaid started at Connell, he fully embraced life here. He put 100% into everything he did and this has paid off with a set of amazing BTEC Business results. Zohaid saw the value in saying ‘yes’ to opportunities, for which he will see the benefits for years to come!”