Sorcha’s Story

Sorcha, who left in 2014, told us how Ratcliffe gave her independence to move and work in a new country:

What was it like studying at Ratcliffe?

Being a boarder, I spent a lot of my time at Ratcliffe from year 6 to year 13. I always enjoyed myself and appreciated all the support I received during my studies. Before I came to Ratcliffe I wasn’t really aware of my sporting ability, but this soon came to light when I started playing netball. I remember being in year 6 and after the first netball lesson Mr Turner said to me that I´d be a shooter and since that moment I didn’t play any other position. Leading to me being Sports Captain in my final year!

Being a military child, it was important for me to have stability and be able to build up friendships and stay in the same classes, thanks to boarding this was possible.

The teachers were all so supportive and I definitely thrived in the classes with a small number of students.

Do you have any memorable moments from your time at Ratcliffe? My A level Latin lessons with Mrs Eccles will always be memorable, we were a class of 3 students – myself, Helen and Ally. We would play Latin scrabble once a month and the winner would get some chocolate. A brilliant way to learn Latin words.

There are far too many memories in boarding to even mention!!

What did you do after Ratcliffe?

After I left Ratcliffe I moved to the Netherlands to pursue my physiotherapy degree in the city of Groningen. A student city in the north of the Netherlands where English is the national 2nd language.

In 2018 I graduated from university with my physiotherapy degree and went on to learn the Dutch language so that I could stay and work in the Netherlands.

Fast forward to now, I’m working in a private practice in a town called Drachten – where they don’t only speak Dutch but also Frisian (a local dialect). I am specialised in treating clients with Parkinson’s Disease and currently pursuing my Masters degree in Geriatric physiotherapy at the University of Physiotherapy in Amersfoort, hopefully graduating in June 2024.

Like I mentioned, I’m working in private practice and within that in many elderly homes such as specialised dementia homes. My passion lies with treating those with dementia and parkinsons disease, although the prognosis is not great you can make a big difference in their lives.

Outside of work, I am living in Drachten with my boyfriend in the house we bought with our dog. I’m still very sporty, but not taking part in any team sports – Netball isnt a sport here….

Would you say there’s anything which you learnt at Ratcliffe which you still carry with you today?I definitely think I learnt my independence through my years at  Ratcliffe. Being a boarder I spent a lot of time away from my parents and I think that made it easier to move to another country and immerse myself in another country.

What would you say to others to encourage them to give money to support the Bursary Fund at Ratcliffe?

Do it! It can make such a difference in a student’s life. It can give the stability which is so important in those final exam years.

Do you have anything you’d like to say to any of the donors who supported the Bursary Fund whilst you were at Ratcliffe?

A big thank you! Without their support I wouldn’t have been able to continue my studies at Ratcliffe and probably wouldn’t have gone on the move to the Netherlands. I will always be grateful to those who support the Bursary Fund and all the teachers who supported me throughout my years at Ratcliffe.