There's an education and training route for everyone after GCSEs and you don't have to follow one path.
Laura decided that A levels were right for her...
I came to Weymouth College from John Colfox, Bridport. Whilst at Weymouth College I studied A Level Music combined with the Jazz Diploma course. I successfully completed both these courses which led to my acceptance on the BA course in jazz studies at the Leeds College of Music. Having the chance to study further afield opens up other horizons and brings greater opportunities, whilst networking and studying with other like-minded people. Thanks to Weymouth College I was able to do just that.
The biggest thing for me at college was the confidence I gained whilst studying there. I am now a self-employed musician under the name of 'Lovely Laura' with a successful career in music.
My wage has crept up over the years due to exposure and internet success, especially from my main work in Ibiza, Spain as a saxophonist. I have played in some of the best venues, clubs and festivals in the world including:
I met my husband (DJ Ben Santiago) in Ibiza and we now work together as a successful duo touring the clubs, writing and producing music, whilst also hosting our own weekly summer event at Ibiza Rocks in Ibiza.
I will never forget looking in the careers advice book at school and it read next to the profession 'musician'; 'only for the exceptionally talented'. I remember reading that and thinking I was not good enough, so I studied art instead. Two days into a fashion degree, I realised I had made a dreadful mistake, so I dropped out, risked following my heart and took up the saxophone.
This was when I joined Weymouth College to study A Level music and honestly, it was the best decision for my career.
There are different ways to find out what your education options are:
