Olivia Barry

My education began at Holy Rosary Primary School. I have always been quite creative, so naturally my favourite subject was always art. I started at Maricourt in 2003 and could not imagine having gone anywhere else. I received a fantastic education and met my best friends (who I continue to see to this day!) I obtained my GCSEs in 2008, with 5 A’s, 4 B’s and 1 C. I decided to continue at Maricourt and joined the sixth form in 2008. I didn’t know what I wanted to do at that stage, so kept my options open, and chose English literature, maths, philosophy and art as my four subjects. I began thinking about careers at the start of sixth form. Given my passion for debate (philosophy is good for that!) I decided law would be a good career for me. Maricourt helped me with completing my application, and in 2010, I began my degree at Keele University. I graduated with a 2:1 law degree in 2013. I went on to work full time as a paralegal in a local solicitor’s office, as well as studying part time towards my master’s degree. I think this was important in cementing my view that I wanted to be a lawyer. Following my graduation in 2015, I decided to undertake further training, and I qualified as a solicitor in 2018. I am now a solicitor specialising in family law. Maricourt gave me the solid foundation I needed to build my career. It was thanks to the staff (in particular Mrs Bygroves and Mr Wallace) that I was able to thrive. My message to students is simple - there is no barrier to success. Like many, I faced a number of personal difficulties, but I was determined to succeed. I think it’s important that every single student remembers that they are able to do anything they set their mind to, and they are not defined by anything other than their own determination. Persevere and you will succeed!”