Elliott Sanders began his journey at West Suffolk College in the 2018/2019 academic year, enrolling on the Level 3 Performance and Production of Popular Music course. After finishing his GCSEs, Elliott was uncertain about what path to take next – until he attended a summer event at the college. There, he met the music team and instantly felt at home, signing up for the course that very day.
After completing his studies at WSC, Elliott relocated to Morpeth in the north of England to pursue A Levels, achieving grades in Music, Biology, and English Literature. Alongside his studies, he built up experience in hospitality, which later became his full-time focus when he moved to Newcastle city centre.
Despite his work in hospitality, Elliott never lost sight of his ambition to join the Royal Corps of Army Music as a trumpet player. He successfully passed a two-day audition in London and army selection in Edinburgh, with a potential start date set for September 2022. Unfortunately, a serious ankle injury requiring surgery put his plans on hold. Following a second surgery to remove the metalwork, Elliott is now focused on returning to selection and getting his military music career back on track.
What made you want to study at West Suffolk College?
After finishing my GCSEs, I wasn’t sure what my next step in life was going to be or when it would happen. I attended an event in the summer after I finished school where I had the opportunity to meet the guys on the performance and production of popular music course and figured it would be a good fit for me. I signed up that day.
What has your personal journey looked like since leaving the college?
After my course, I moved to the north of England to a place called Morpeth. I did my A Levels at a local high school and achieved A, C, D in music, biology and English lit. After finishing school, I started working in hospitality full-time since I had experience working in restaurants whilst studying. After a few years, I moved into Newcastle city centre and have since been working full-time at a popular bar and restaurant. My career hopes were to join the Royal Corps of Army Music and become a trumpet player in the corps. Whilst I was doing my A Levels, I went down to London and went through a two-day audition process which I passed. A few months later, I went to Edinburgh for army selection which I also passed. I was given a potential start date for the army of September 2022, however in August I broke my ankle quite badly requiring surgery putting everything on hold. I recently had a second surgery to remove the metal work I had installed. I hope to return to selection soon and get my career underway.
Do you have a favourite memory from your time at college?
I made some amazing friends on my course. One night, we all performed at the constitutional club as part of our FMP. I remember this night vividly. I had a really fun time performing with friends I had made over the previous academic year, showing off the fruits of our labour.
In what ways has West Suffolk College impacted your life?
I may have only been at WSC for a year, however, it was a crucial year in my life, as it is in many students’ lives. I was still figuring out who I was and what I wanted to do. WSC helped me figure this out and the mentors I had and the friends I made helped me on this journey of life. The knowledge and skills I learnt on the course I will take into industry, and I find useful every day in my own practice. I am truly grateful to everyone I met at WSC and how they helped me become the man I am today.
What advice would you give to future students at Eastern Education Group?
Any future students should aim to soak up every ounce of knowledge their mentors have. Their advice will truly carry through into life beyond education.
