Alumni
A number of our past students have written to the school recently to share their reflections on their time in Sixth Form and update us on what they are doing now.
Prince Amponsah
Although I initially considered accountancy, learning about quantity surveying opened my eyes to a career that combines analytical skills with real, visible outcomes. Seeing how decisions made with numbers translate into buildings and infrastructure made the profession especially appealing to me. With the guidance from the Careers Department, I was able to apply confidently for Quantity Surveying apprenticeships and tailor my CV to industry expectations.
I went on to complete a five-year degree apprenticeship, graduating with a First Class BSc (Hons) in Quantity Surveying. At the end of 2025, I passed my Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) and became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS). Achieving chartership has opened doors to a wide range of opportunities, including the ability to work across different sectors and internationally.
Cardinal Pole Sixth Form played a key role in shaping my journey by providing the support, guidance and encouragement to explore non-traditional pathways. I hope my experience shows that there is more than one route to success, and that with the right mindset and support, ambitious career goals are entirely achievable.
Sheridan Gately
Class of: 2016
A-Level Subjects: History, English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies
A-Level Results: A* A B
Career Focus: Finance Leadership & Strategy
Current Role: Head of Finance, The Fulham Shore
From the Stage to the Boardroom: Sheridan is a prime example of how a diverse A-Level portfolio can lead to success in the corporate world. Despite specialising in Humanities and Arts subjects during his time in Sixth Form—studying History, English Literature, and Drama—Sheridan has carved out a dynamic career as a senior financial leader.
Sheridan on his A-Level Choices: "People often assume you need Maths or Economics for a career in Finance, but my background in Drama and English has been my secret weapon. Finance isn't just about spreadsheets; it’s about influence and storytelling. The confidence I gained in Theatre Studies helps me every day when I partner with senior leadership to provide financial insight and drive business growth"
Career Journey: After university, Sheridan joined Deloitte, one of the "Big 4" professional services networks. He spent nearly six years there, rising to the position of Manager in Finance Transformation.
Leveraging that foundation, he moved into industry leadership roles. As the Financial Controller for The Oxford Health Company, Sheridan established and led the finance function for a high-growth manufacturer. His work included oversight of financial controls, leading on budgeting, and creating financial models to support strategic decisions.
What’s Next? Sheridan continues his upward trajectory and will shortly be starting a new position as Head of Finance at The Fulham Shore.
Why Join Our Sixth Form? Sheridan’s path proves that there is no single "right" combination of A-Levels for a career in business. Our Sixth Form encourages students to pursue subjects they are passionate about—building the critical thinking and communication skills that top employers are looking for.
Shaquille Wilson
I studied vocational Business Studies in Cardinal Pole Sixth Form, and hope I am an example of the success that students on this course can achieve. Through effective teaching and learning, Cardinal Pole developed my interest and understanding of the broad range of topics on this course and helped me reach my full potential. I left Cardinal Pole with Triple Distinction* (equivalent to A*A*A* at A-level) and 460 UCAS points. I also graduated in late 2019 from Aston Business School with a 2:1 in BSc (Hon) Human Resource Management. Since then I have worked at a large number of “bulge bracket” investment firms including Barclays Investment Bank, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs International, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. I have also interned at a well-known Insurance company, which again I give a humble thanks to the staff at Cardinal Pole who helped expose me to such a great opportunity. I now aim to become a well-respected entrepreneur in the field of Media Entertainment, but the lessons and mentors I have gained over the years have been truly invaluable, and it all started with Cardinal Pole!
Irinie Opoku- Analyst at Accenture
“My time at Cardinal Pole Sixth Form began in 2011, following the completion of my secondary years at the school - I still remember it all like it was yesterday! About 10 years on now, I've completed 2 degrees and work as a Data Consultant in a consultancy firm.
CP Sixth Form, as we often termed it, was a great place for me, and highlighted the foundation of where true hard work can take you. I sought counsel from one or two teachers I had naturally built a rapport with, and made it a point to ask many questions i.e. regarding my performance/grades, uni, career options and more. For this I'll always thank the sixth form and can only imagine how much it has evolved today.”
Nigel Bubi- Analyst at Goldman Sachs
“Plain and simple, if it was not for the support from Cardinal Pole, I would not be where I am today. After lacking focus and ambition as a young boy, the support from Cardinal Pole literally saved my life. Cardinal Pole was the only sixth form I applied to. This ended up being one of the best decisions I have made, as the support, discipline and guidance provided was of the highest quality.
I was given the chance to revise late hours after school every day. This gave me the chance to maximise my potential. The support Cardinal Pole provided allowed me to gain AAB in my A levels. The school also helped me build my CV, experience mentoring and gain a general exposure to life in the City of London. I am proud to say that I have now, within the space of three years, worked at Macquarie Bank, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International, KPMG and Goldman Sachs. I have gained a 2:1 in my second year from Durham University and set up my own business venture.
All these opportunities would not have been possible had I not gone to Cardinal Pole Sixth Form. As I sit back and now compare myself to the friendship group I was with as a young boy, it is safe to say that Cardinal Pole has helped me go down a different path.
As a result, it is safe to say that Cardinal Pole is a school that I am proud to have gone to.”
Michael Macaulay- 2nd Year Economics student at the University of Nottingham and a Bank of England Scholar
“I studied Economics & Business, Mathematics and Physics at A-level and achieved AAB. Throughout my time at the school I attended many revision classes, extra-curricular events and took advantage of all of the support given to me from the school and the teachers. The work experience set up through the school allowed to gain more experience and improve my skills. Since leaving the school, I have gone on to study BSc Hons Economics at the University of Nottingham and I am currently in my 2nd year. I am enjoying making the most of university and am looking forward to working full time in the city one day.”
Chad Levi-Baptiste- Apprentice at BT Sport
“I would just like to mention how thankful I am to the school and the staff for all the hard work and endeavour I experienced throughout my years in the sixth form. I felt the support I received from everybody really contributed to the grades I achieved and has helped me progress to the job I am currently at today. The
on-going support in and out of the classroom was extremely impressive and prepared me well for the world of work, and what is expected of me.
I would like to extend a specific thank you to Mr Egan, the Careers Advisor, who raised the awareness about apprenticeships and gave me all the information I needed. As a result of this, I am now over a year into my apprenticeship at BT Sport working in the archive department.”
Evi Shurety- AOn Insurance
“I have recently graduated from The University of Southampton with an LLB Law degree, obtaining a 2:1 grade, and I am starting at Aon as a Professional Indemnity Claims Advocate. Cardinal Pole played a fundamental role in ensuring that I achieved the appropriate grades to be successful in obtaining a place at a Russell Group University. Through connecting me to The Pathways to Law Programme, I decided to read law at university. Furthermore, Cardinal Pole also helped set the building blocks for my career. In year 13, through Cardinal Pole, I had the invaluable opportunity to take part in The Brokerage programme, which helped me gain an internship with a Lloyds Syndicate. After which, I was asked back to Lloyds over the next two consecutive summers. This influenced my decision to undertake Insurance Contract Law as a third year module in which I achieved a first class, and subsequently enabled me to gain a place on an internship at Aon.
My decision to join the Cardinal Pole Sixth Form was the best decision I have made, and I can confidently say that I would not achieved all I have, had I not had the quality of teaching and support from staff, which I received from Cardinal Pole.”