An Education Like No Other

From her early days at Westbourne to becoming a qualified solicitor, Xander May’s journey is a testament to hard work, ambition, and resilience. 

Combining a passion for law with a dedication to athletics, she has carved out a remarkable career while continuing to excel in sport. Here, Xander reflects on her path since leaving Westbourne, sharing her achievements and the lasting impact of her school experience.

Career Journey Since Leaving Westbourne

After Westbourne, I pursued A-Levels and went on to study an LLB in Law at university in Liverpool. Following this, I returned to Sheffield, where I obtained my Master’s in Law and successfully completed the Professional Skills Course at the University of Sheffield/University of Law.

During my master’s degree, I secured a part-time paralegal position at a boutique immigration law firm in Sheffield. This experience not only strengthened my practical understanding of immigration law but also led to me being offered a Training Contract at the same firm. I began this contract in September 2022, following the completion of my academic studies and professional training.

In September 2024, I achieved a major milestone by qualifying as a Solicitor, specialising in Corporate Immigration Law. Shortly thereafter, in October 2024, I joined Stone King LLP in Leeds. At Stone King, I now practise as an Immigration Solicitor with a specific focus on supporting businesses, educational institutions, charities, and faith-based organisations.

Achievements and Milestones

Qualifying as a solicitor at the age of 24 stands out as one of my proudest achievements. It represents the culmination of years of hard work, beginning from the moment I chose to pursue law as a career when selecting my GCSEs at age 14. Reaching this goal so early in my career is both fulfilling and motivating for the future.

On a personal note, I am equally proud of my continued dedication to athletics, particularly high jump, a hobby I actually took up during my time at Westbourne. Most recently, I won the South Yorkshire Senior Outdoor Championships in May 2024.

The Lasting Impact of Westbourne

Westbourne played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. Joining in Year 7, I benefited from an environment that not only nurtured my academic ambitions but also encouraged my personal growth and self-confidence. My time there laid the educational foundations that enabled me to embark on a career in law.

Beyond academics, Westbourne was instrumental in helping me build the confidence to navigate various challenges throughout my life. It taught me to believe in myself, carry myself with poise, and embrace opportunities that stretched me beyond my comfort zone.

A standout example of this was discovering my passion for high jump. Thanks to a teacher at Westbourne who recognised my potential and encouraged me to connect with an athletics coach, I developed a skill and passion that continues to enrich my life to this day. Without this encouragement, I may never have explored this avenue, let alone achieved success in the sport.

Reflecting on My Time at Westbourne

Standout Memories: My memories from Westbourne would probably be sports days, school productions, and playing sports fixtures at other schools. Sports days had a great energy, and I enjoyed the competition, whether I was taking part or cheering others on. The school productions were always a lot of fun, and it was great to be part of something creative. I also enjoyed travelling to other schools for sports fixtures – it was a good way to experience different environments and test ourselves against new teams.

How Westbourne Shaped My Ambitions

Westbourne laid the groundwork for my future by fostering ambition and confidence. It was not just about academics, but about developing a growth mindset. The school’s emphasis on hard work, perseverance, and self-belief gave me the tools to set clear goals and pursue them. Whether it was excelling in academics or sports, Westbourne provided a supportive environment where I could explore my interests and gain the skills needed to navigate challenges later in life.

Teachers Who Made a Difference

All of the teachers at Westbourne were really helpful, and their support in and outside the classroom gave me a solid foundation. Looking back, those experiences, from the encouragement I received to the lessons I learned, helped shape my approach to challenges and gave me a sense of confidence that has stayed with me.

Westbourne’s ability to balance academic rigour with a nurturing environment makes it truly special. The school celebrates individuality while fostering a strong sense of community. Teachers genuinely care about each pupil’s growth, not just academically but also personally.

The extracurricular opportunities, tailored support, and encouragement to explore new avenues are unparalleled, creating an environment where pupils can thrive in all aspects of life.

"Without hesitation, I would recommend Westbourne to future generations"

Xander May - Class of 2016. Immigration Solicitor