Emily’s Story

Name: Emily

Subjects studied: Law, English Literature, Psychology A Levels

What’s next: Currently a Pupil Barrister at the Crown Prosecution Service, but soon to be a fully qualified Barrister.

Emily studied A Levels in Law, English Literature and Psychology at Truro College and is currently a Pupil Barrister at the Crown Prosecution Service, but soon she will be a fully qualified Barrister.

After attending local sixth forms and Truro College open events, Emily knew Truro College was going to help her go further: “I toured both local sixth forms and Truro College and found Truro to be considerably more supportive, passionate, and engaging. I had wanted to study Law at A Level and the sixth forms in my area did not offer Law. When I went to the open evening, the Law team were so passionate and informative; I would have been foolish to say no.”

Emily praises the support she received from her lecturers during her time at College and credits their advice and guidance: “The jump from GCSEs to A Levels is the biggest jump in education I have experienced. What makes it easier is having a supportive team around you and that is what makes Truro special. Truro has lecturers that are both extremely knowledgeable about their subject and how to teach teenagers successfully.”

At Truro College we have many opportunities for students to get involved with various activities, competitions, and challenges. Emily felt the benefits of an opportunity that prepared her for her current role: “I partook in the Bar Mock Trial Competition, run by Young Citizens. We competed in the regional heat held in Plymouth, and as we won, we went to the National Competition held in Edinburgh! This was my first experience of advocacy and really the start of my journey to becoming a Barrister.”

Emily has built on her career ambitions after her time at Truro College: “I went on to study Law with Forensic Psychology at University. Whilst there, I began a voluntary role as an Appropriate Adult. This role is to support young people, aged 10-18, if they are arrested. My role was to ensure they understood the process and were being treated fairly and appropriately by the Police. I was thrilled to graduate as the Best Law Student of the 2022 graduating class.

“Once I graduated, I went on to complete the Barrister Training Masters Course. I received a substantial scholarship to do so. I was called to the Bar in July of 2023. I am now a Pupil Barrister at the Crown Prosecution Service. I will be a fully qualified Barrister in September of this year, 2024.”

Emily’s advice to prospective students is: “Try to expand away from your school friendship group and use what is offered to you, whether this be support with UCAS applications, career talks, work experience or volunteering. Truro has a great relationship with so many local and national organisations and this is a great way to get a head-start on a competitive profession.”

After never being educationally encouraged before attending Truro College, Emily would have never expected to become a successful Barrister: “I was never encouraged, educationally, to pursue a career in Law before Emma and Terrina. Whenever I would say, ‘why me?’ they would say, ‘why not’. I feel so lucky to have been taught by expert lecturers who are so knowledgeable and kind and who genuinely love both the subject and teaching.”