After leaving Castercliff Primary Academy, Hannah progressed to Colne Primet Academy where her best memories are of participating in school performances. Hannah said: “My friendship group was very involved in all of the performances from Year 8 onwards, helping with the props and scenery and being part of the backstage crew. It was a great way to participate in something artistic and learn more about how a performance is put together, as well as an opportunity to mix with students from other year groups and make more varied friendships. 

“I also really valued being the Head Girl in my final year at Primet, representing the school at open events and awards evenings. This transformed me from being a quiet girl to someone happy to speak to an audience. I loved doing prefect duty each week, patrolling the yard with a member of staff. This was a good way to get to know a range of teaching staff and speak about my goals for the future. 

“I also remember that in Year 10, we were given tailored one-to-one sessions with the school’s careers lead where we could discuss our future goals and career aspirations. It was in this session that I first really considered what happens after college and the prospect of university. 

“We were given opportunities to visit Nelson and Colne College to participate in A Level taster sessions which helped to confirm my study choices.” 

After completing her GCSEs, Hannah progressed to Nelson and Colne College to study A Levels in Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science. Hannah combined her studies with a job at McDonald’s – something she credits with helping her self-confidence, time management and organisational skills. Hannah then achieved a First Class with Honours BSc in Physics and Medical Applications at Queen’s University, Belfast and an MSc in Physics and Engineering in Medicine from University College London (UCL). Again, Hannah combined her studies with roles at IKEA and in the gift shop at Frozen the Musical. These roles helped to develop professional skills and form wider friendships. 

Hannah said: “After graduating, I spent a year working as a Research Assistant in Radiotherapy Physics for Queen’s University Belfast and then progressed to my current role of a Trainee Clinical Scientist in Radiotherapy in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. This means I am a Trainee Physicist and I am currently participating in a Route 2 training scheme, completing my clinical training in radiotherapy physics. After completing this training in the next three to four years, I will be able to register as a Clinical Scientist. I hope to work in this role in the NHS where a physicists’ job in radiotherapy involves everything from planning cancer treatments to measuring the radioactivity of seeds to be implanted in brachytherapy cancer treatments. 

“My ambitions are inspired by a research internship I did last summer at Cedar’s Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. I would love to pursue future research in the use of 3D printing in radiotherapy. I’ve also recently had my first author scientific article published on this topic.” 

When asked for her advice to children currently at one of the Pendle Education Trust family of schools, Hannah said: “Your education is exactly what you make of it! Seize every opportunity that comes your way, get involved with as much as possible and never be afraid to go to teachers when needed!  

“One thing that always helped me at school, particularly during GCSE season, was having teachers who were so approachable, and I never felt silly asking a question if I didn’t understand something! This is what teachers are there for, always ask them when you’re stuck but also if you’re interested and want to know more!”