From Falinge Park to the Classroom: Amber’s Inspiring Journey
At the Watergrove Trust, we believe that education is about giving young people the strong foundations, confidence, and self-belief to find their own path in life. Success rarely follows a rigid, linear script — and former Falinge Park High School student Amber is a fantastic example of where curiosity, resilience, and an open mind can take you.
After leaving Falinge Park, Amber chose a non-traditional route into higher education. Rather than heading straight to sixth form, she completed a Diploma in Beauty Therapy at Bury College before embarking on an undergraduate degree in Psychology at the University of Bolton, working in hospitality alongside her studies and eventually stepping into hospitality management.
When the COVID-19 pandemic prompted many to reflect on their long-term purpose, Amber realised her true calling lay in teaching. Balancing work with flexible study through The Open University, she graduated with her Psychology degree in 2023 before completing her PGCE at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Today, Amber is passing on that spark of learning to the next generation as a High School and Sixth Form teacher in Staffordshire, where she teaches Psychology, Sociology, and Health & Social Care.
“One of the biggest things I’ve learnt since leaving school is that you don’t necessarily need to have your whole career planned out at 16. My career has changed direction several times, and experiences that I didn’t initially think would be relevant have ultimately helped me get where I am today. There are lots of different routes into a career, and sometimes finding the right one involves trying something, changing direction and being open to new opportunities.”
Looking back at her time at Falinge Park High School, Amber remembers how the supportive environment helped shape her confidence and communication skills — traits that served her just as well in hospitality management as they do in the classroom today.
In particular, she recalls the lasting impact of her former form tutor and English teacher, Mrs Uddin:
“Mrs Uddin was always supportive and encouraging, and having a teacher who took the time to get to know me and believe in me made a lasting impression… I’m grateful for the support and encouragement she gave me”.
Amber’s journey highlights an important truth for all our young people across the Trust: every experience builds value, and with the right foundation, there are many different roads to achieving your goals.
We are so proud to see Amber flourishing in her teaching career and inspiring the next generation of learners!
Do you have an alumni success story to share? Do so here.
