We love celebrating the incredible journeys of our alumni, and today, we're thrilled to shine a spotlight on Sarah, a testament to the power of dedication, passion, and the unique opportunities available at Life Sciences UTC.
Celebrating Sarah's Journey at Life Sciences UTC
Sarah's story is a true inspiration, charting her path from a determined sixth-form student to a highly accomplished and integral member of our team as a Lab Technician.
Sarah first joined our sixth form in September 2013, eager to pursue her passion for science. Despite a less-than-encouraging start at another school, she found her stride here, even being taught by our very own previous Headteacher, Phil Lloyd, as she worked towards her Level 3 in Applied Science. It was during this time that Sarah's proactive nature truly shone through. She spent countless hours supporting our science technician and lending a hand in the innovation labs, assisting with practical sessions for younger students. This early engagement was a clear sign of the bright future ahead.
As her sixth-form journey neared its end, an exciting opportunity arose: an apprenticeship at CUC. Thanks to her demonstrated interest and commitment, Sarah successfully applied and secured the position in September 2015. Initially, her role focused on curriculum science, dedicating one day a week to pursuing a Level 4 qualification in Biology from 2015 to 2017.
Upon completing her Level 4, Sarah's role evolved, and she transitioned to become the dedicated Technician in our innovation labs. This full-time position brought new responsibilities, and it was here that Sarah truly began to make her mark on our student body. With her guidance and encouragement, she started working on getting students through various science competitions. We've been fortunate to participate in these annually, and our students, under Sarah's mentorship, have achieved remarkable feats.
Sarah gives thanks to Dave Hornby and Greenland BioDesign which was an early version of the Baltic Research Institute that paved the way for Sarah to thrive in her work with the BRI.
Sarah's dedication hasn't gone unnoticed. In 2019, she proudly received the Dedicated Teacher Award at the Big Bang North West Regional Final, alongside John Dyer. The following year, 2020, saw her further recognised with the Science Technician of the Year team award alongside Patricio Vasquez-Aguilar – a testament to her collaborative spirit and expertise.
Never one to rest on her laurels, Sarah embarked on a new academic chapter in 2021, commencing a Foundation Degree in Technician Science as a degree apprenticeship with UCLAN. This four-year, part-time course saw her balance university studies with her vital role at the UTC, either attending lectures or participating online one day a week.
Throughout her degree, Sarah continued to expand her impact on our students' competition journeys. She facilitated entry into international competitions and supported an increasing number of student projects through the rigorous entry processes each year. Her unwavering commitment recently culminated in a joint Leadership Award – Founder's Award with John Dyer at the Business of Science pre-conference dinner in 2025, in recognition of their work with the Business of Science Conference and their Innovation award.
Beyond our walls, Sarah has also actively engaged with primary schools within our trust, leading and participating in numerous science sessions for younger students. This passion for inspiring the next generation led her to plan and run a fantastic science competition within our trust, drawing inspiration from her extensive experience. This inaugural event saw over 100 entries from students across the trust, with a thrilling final held right here at CUC, where shortlisted students proudly showcased their work. We are incredibly excited to see this initiative continue and grow!
The 9th of July 2025, marked another significant milestone for Sarah as she graduates from her Foundation Degree.
Sarah's journey from a determined student seeking a fresh start to an award-winning lab technician and inspiring mentor is a shining example of the transformative power of education and dedication. We are immensely proud to have her as part of the Life Sciences UTC family and eagerly anticipate all the incredible contributions she will continue to make.
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