Finding Our Flow: Rockley College Year 1 Students Reflect on Their First Term
Real voices from our first-year students as they dive into life, learning, and adventure at Rockley College.
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Holly didn’t start her post-16 journey at Rockley.
After finishing Year 11, she followed the traditional route and joined sixth form, taking PE, Biology and Geography A-levels. But by December of Year 12, she knew something wasn’t right.
“It just wasn’t working for me,” she says honestly. “The environment, the exams… I hated exams.”
After stepping away, taking time to work, and reassessing her options, she found Rockley College, and everything changed.
Finding Her Place at Rockley
Coming from a strong swimming background, Holly already loved sport, but she was ready for something more practical, more active, and more connected to real experiences.
At Rockley, she got exactly that.
“It’s so much more engaging than A-level PE,” she explains. “It’s real-world learning, not just memorising muscles.”
The sense of community made the transition even easier.
“Everyone bonds quickly here, it’s a really friendly place.”
A New Approach to Learning
What Holly appreciates most is the difference in teaching style.
Tutors feel more like instructors or mentors, taking the time to get to know each student.
One teacher even challenged himself to learn all of their names on Day 1 and succeeded.
The practical aspect of the course has been a revelation too. Holly especially enjoyed trying new activities she never expected to like, such as mountain biking.
Where She’s Going Next
Holly is passionate about the psychology and performance side of sport, particularly swimming. She is drawn toward understanding what helps young athletes improve, mindset, strategy, motivation.
Her dream?
Something within sports performance, coaching, or psychology, particularly with youth athletes.
Her Advice to Anyone Feeling Stuck
“Just because sixth form doesn’t work out, it’s not the end of the world.”
Rockley gave her a fresh start, and a path that actually suits her.
If Holly's story resonates with you or your child, the college is always running open events. Click the link below to book onto the next one!