Sally Griffiths

Alumni Spotlight: Sally Griffiths

At Ysgol Bryn Alyn, we know that success comes in many different forms, and Sally Griffiths' story is a powerful reminder that there is no single route to achieving your goals.

Sally attended Ysgol Bryn Alyn between 2018 and 2021. Looking back, she is the first to admit that school was not always straightforward. Whilst she describes herself as confident and capable, she often found lessons challenging and sometimes struggled to engage with learning. However, she credits a number of teachers, including Mr Ebrey, Miss Bouhill and Mr Griffiths, for taking the time to understand how she learned best and for never giving up on her.

Sally says that these teachers saw beyond the behaviour and recognised a young person who simply needed support, encouragement and different approaches to learning. Their patience and determination helped her achieve the GCSEs she needed, despite the additional challenges of learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After leaving Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Sally enrolled at Yale College to study A Levels in English Language, Sociology and Psychology. However, she soon realised that this pathway did not feel right for her. Rather than continuing on a route that did not make her happy, she decided to explore other opportunities.

In 2022, Sally applied for an apprenticeship with Magellan Aerospace after spotting a vacancy for a CNC Machinist Engineering Apprentice. At the time, she had little knowledge of engineering or CNC machining, but she decided to take a chance and apply.

That decision changed her life.

Following a successful application process, Sally began her apprenticeship and has since gone on to become a fully qualified CNC Machinist Engineer. During her apprenticeship, she was diagnosed with ADHD, helping her to better understand some of the challenges she had faced throughout her education.

Today, Sally is proud to be the only female CNC Machinist Engineer at Magellan and has built a successful career in an industry she genuinely enjoys. Along the way she has gained valuable skills, confidence and lifelong friendships.

Sally's Advice to Current Students

"Grades aren't as important as you think they are. Just because someone gets better GCSE results than you doesn't mean your achievements are worth any less. You don't need top grades in everything to be successful in life. Take the opportunities that come your way, even if you don't think you'll get them. Sometimes life can surprise you, and you can achieve things you never thought possible."

Sally's journey shows the importance of resilience, self-belief and being willing to take opportunities when they arise. Her story reminds us that success is not always a straight path and that finding the right opportunity can make all the difference.

We are incredibly proud of Sally and all she has achieved, and we thank her for sharing her inspiring story with our students.

Dream. Reach. Achieve.