Author: Nick Richmond
Last saved by: Steph Williams

Student testimonials

Alicia Brewer – Class 2017 
‘My time at Settlebeck was something out of the ordinary. The 5 years I spent at Settlebeck are years I cherish. At Settlebeck I wasn’t just taught how to find the area of a triangle, or how to measure the speed of light, I was taught to believe in myself and push myself to do anything I wanted. Settlebeck encouraged me to do my best; whenever I needed extra help I could access it. The teachers put in extra hours so I could achieve my grades, often 1-1 support was offered and if I struggled in a certain area I got extra help either during the lesson, after school or lunchtime. Different classes offered extra lessons so I could achieve my best. Settlebeck also taught me one of the biggest life lessons, if you want something you have to work for it. During the latter years of Settlebeck I knew I needed to put in extra work to achieve the best I could. The support and encouragement I got of each member of staff was immense, I met teachers who helped my put in extra work, I was encouraged and mentored by the staff which gave me motivation to not only achieve for myself but for the staff also. Each member of staff knew me personally, I didn’t feel like a number but I felt like an individual and knew I belonged to a school that would do its best for me. Settlebeck opened so many opportunities up for me I couldn’t believe it. One of the biggest opportunities it gave me was going to Scotland for 10 wilds days, this included wild camping in the beautiful countryside, climbing up to the highest highs of Scotland and finally climbing Ben Nevis. This trip built up my confidence masses, through 10 short days I learnt that having the right mind set is the key, being positive gets you a long way, and believing in yourself is so important for now and for the future. I also had the opportunity to take drama as a GCSE, during these classes I learnt how to read body language and facial expressions.  I was taught drama isn’t just about being on stage, its being able to read people, being able to make people laugh and it gives you chance to express how you feel. As I am journeying down the career path of Teaching Assistant at Sedbergh Primary School I am able to put all these skills I have gained into practice. Being able to read body language and facial expressions are such a big part of my job, it gives me the ability to understand and recognise the different emotions the children are feeling. Working in school myself has made me realise how much Teachers and Teaching staff impact individual lives. The support and encouragement I gained from Settlebeck is almost unbelievable, I know each student who passes through the corridors also gain the same amount of support and encouragement from Settlebeck’.
Holly Ross – Class of 2018
‘Settlebeck School maybe small but it is mighty! When I originally applied I was slightly hesitant about it being very small and local however, it was the best thing I could've wished for. The smaller classes meant I got the help I needed for me to do well as well as extra help that may not have been available in a bigger, busier school. The subjects that were on offer for GCSE not only helped me academically but gave me practical experiences which have helped me to get where I am today both physically and mentally. After Settlebeck I did a Btec health and social care equivalent to 3 A levels as well as going to the Dominican Republic to work in a hospital. I have just moved and starting to study Children’s Nursing at the University of Leeds which I could not have done without my basic GCSEs of math’s, English and sciences which Settlebeck helped me achieve’. 
CJ Middleton – Class of 2019
‘I started Settlebeck at the end of 2014 being a very shy, timid person with no interest in sport. Throughout Settlebeck I grew both academically as a person and gained my passion for sport. As Settlebeck is a small school it allowed me to experience so many opportunities I know I wouldn’t have had in another school. I have been able to go to France, Scotland twice, be captain of multiple sport teams and help with sporting events. If I hadn’t have gone to Settlebeck I know I wouldn’t be where I am today. After Settlebeck gave me the confidence to be who I am and help me know what I am capable of I have gone on to study 3 A-level, at the Queen Katherine School, I am a qualified football coach and coach two football teams. After this I am looking to go and study sport coaching and physical education at university with the dream that I will one day be a PE teacher, definitely not what I expected when I first started Settlebeck’.
Ted Hodgson – Class of 2020
‘I am currently studying English Literature, Product design and Business at A level, and I hope to continue on to study an architecture degree. I thoroughly enjoyed my years at Settlebeck, the school offered me many opportunities and helped me to grow academically; evident in my GCSE results, all of which exceeded predictions. Due to the size of the school, teachers are able to offer personal and tailored methods of teaching, and subject content is delivered effectively with regard to the student needs and academic ability, this I have noticed more so now that I attend a larger school.  I would undoubtedly recommend Settlebeck to anyone, the school offers opportunities for all, ensuring everyone, willing and unwilling, thrive!’
Marcus Darrington – Class of 2021
‘As someone who came to Settlebeck halfway through my secondary school life, I have a unique perspective on it which allows me to compare it to what is maybe a more standard option for those leaving primary school. I was initially hesitant to move due to the size, assuming it to be of a lesser quality- I can confirm that this is definitely not the case. Before I arrived my future felt like a complete mystery, and I wasn’t particularly happy in general, but Settlebeck really helped me to form a clear direction for my future, both emotionally and in an educational sense. Smaller classes not only allow for more personal relationships with your teachers which elicits a feeling of mutual respect, but also with your peers, who, in my experience, are some of the kindest, most accepting people you could meet. My GCSEs are coming up this year, and, despite what 2020 would have you believe, I feel as ready as I ever could- all thanks to the environment Settlebeck has created for me- and hopefully some of those reading this!’