We are delighted to announce that Sarah, Year 12, has been selected to do a summer placement at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL).

This highly prestigious scientific research laboratory is one of the foremost of its kind in the UK. We managed to catch up with Sarah before she headed off for her summer placement and she commented:

Ever since we were introduced to the idea that this was an option, I just knew that it was something I wanted to experience.

Sarah has a unique understanding and passion for science and the subtle art of discovery, and it was thanks to these qualities that her application was selected over thousands of other hopefuls from across the country. She was supported throughout the application process by her science teacher, who himself did a year of industry placement at the same laboratory as a student.

At St Helen’s our focus is on enabling and empowering our students to succeed beyond the classroom and as such we provide holistic support to all our students. Encouraging them to explore, apply and enrol in programmes such as this one is part of the time-tabled University Preparation lessons which our Sixth Form students attend.

Rutherford Appleton Laboratory is located on the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus in Oxfordshire. The site has a staff of approximately 1,200 people who support the work of over 10,000 scientists and engineers.

The RAL is on the cutting edge of scientific research and development and for Sarah, the opportunity that this summer placement provides to her is incredible. During her placement she will be exposed to the highest level of industry best practices and will have the opportunity to meet highly accomplished individuals within an industry she is hoping to one day enter.