Our Alumna of the Month is Rosie Moore. Rosie’s journey since leaving William Howard School in 2013 is a powerful testament to the value of perseverance, adaptability, and the pursuit of one’s passions. Though she struggled academically with English and languages in school, Rosie’s passion for drama and creative projects, where subjects came to life through re-enactments, was a significant source of motivation. She credits teachers who recognised her unique learning style and helped her to grasp concepts by explaining them in different ways.
After completing her A Levels, Rosie pursued her passion for languages and secured a place at the University of Central Lancashire (soon to be the University of Lancashire) through clearing. She graduated with a First-Class degree in Japanese Language & Teaching English (TESOL). This degree set her on a unique path, blending her love for languages and teaching with the practical application of her skills.
Post-university, Rosie entered the finance sector, a career shift that saw her join the Civil Service Fast Stream. Although she didn’t initially make it through, her perseverance led to a position in the Department for Education, where she has since been promoted multiple times. Now working as a Finance Business Partner, Rosie finds that her dual skills in mathematics and language are a perfect fit for her role, as she is able to analyse numbers and present them clearly to others. She is also working towards becoming a qualified accountant, with her department covering the cost of her exams. This will also lead to a professional membership and possibly a master’s degree next year, which Rosie is eager to achieve.
Her advice to current students is: “Be honest with yourself and your teachers. Share what you love, what challenges you, and how you feel. Life isn’t always straightforward, and most people don’t have a clear idea of where they’ll end up. Keep an open mind, try new things, seek out support, and know that opportunities will continue to appear if you’re willing to look for them. Perseverance, resilience, and confidence will take you far.”