Holly-Ellen | Self Employed

At the time of joining King’s InterHigh I was living in France with my family. We had moved there in 2004 and whilst I initially attended a French Secondary School, I struggled to achieve academically and was beginning to become disengaged and disruptive.

I was frustrated that I no longer enjoyed my education, I didn’t want to go to school and I began to distance myself from my family and the friends I had made there. In 2005 my mum found King’s InterHigh and without sounding cheesy, it completely changed my life.

After joining King’s InterHigh I passed all 8 of my IGCSES with high grades and when my family moved back to the UK I was able to attend 6th Form, gaining 4 A-Levels and then go onto University. I graduated Bath Spa University in 2012 with a 2:1 Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Illustration and whilst at Bath I even returned to online learning with King’s InterHigh, in 2010, to take an extra A-Level in Business Studies. In September 2012 I began my Master’s Degree at Southampton Solent, graduating the following year with a First Class Master’s Degree in Fashion & Design Management.

I’ve been self-employed for nearly 8 years now and started my first company when I was 18, buying and selling luxury cosmetics. I did this using the skills and education that King’s InterHigh gave me. Now at 25, I am a Semi-Permanent Make-Up artist, I own 2 successful companies, get to work my own hours and have the opportunity to travel to many different countries worldwide.

Preparing for a better future…

However, none of my achievements would have been possible if my 14-year-old self hadn’t had a safe place to land at King’s InterHigh. When I first started I was so sceptical, I thought how could a school that’s online actually teach you anything? I was convinced I was doomed to just feel stupid and behind in the system compared to everyone else. But then as soon as I started lessons it all started to click. King’s InterHigh didn’t just give me back my education. They taught me about self-discipline, perseverance, community, friendship and family. They taught me that it didn’t matter if I didn’t get it straight away because someone would always take the time to explain and help and let me get there at my own pace. I made lifelong friends and lifelong memories and I don’t think there are enough words to express how thankful I am to all the teachers, Jacqui and Paul for creating something that truly helps and saves kids. I will be eternally grateful for everything King’s InterHigh taught me and would not only recommend them but encourage everyone who attends to know you can achieve anything that you set your mind to!