Izzy King, who has just finished the third year of a five-year degree at Harper and Keele Veterinary School, completed a two-week placement at the world-famous reserve as part of a conservation project.

“I did the Kruger Vet Project in South Africa, which is one of the Worldwide Vets projects,” she explained.

“I found the poisons course lecture focusing on vultures and their role in the prevention of disease spread interesting, and enjoyed treating some of Africa’s iconic wildlife – rhino, hippo, lion, buffalo, and wildebeest.”

Overseen by some of the country’s leading wildlife vets, the programme covered how to tranquilise animals on the ground and from helicopter; capture and release species; monitor anaesthesia; and apply treatments in the field. There were also discussions on conservation, wildlife medicine, animal management, and veterinary procedures.

Miss King attended Springwood, which is a member of the West Norfolk Academies Trust, from 2016 to 2023. The 21-year-old credits our school – and Headteacher Andy Johnson – with preparing her for life as a vet.

She continued: “My biggest challenge was going to South Africa on my own. I would never have done it without going on the Challenges Abroad trips with Springwood Sixth Form to Cambodia in Year 12 and Peru in Year 13.

“Springwood gave me countless opportunities to develop beyond the classroom, from taking part in Challenges Abroad and completing my Duke of Edinburgh Award, to working as a Midday Supervisory Assistant, supporting a child with learning difficulties.

“One memory that has always stayed with me is from Year 8. Mr Johnson asked a small group of us to research a university degree that interested us, explore the entry requirements, and write an essay about it. I chose astrophysics.

“At the end of the task, he left us with a piece of advice: ‘Don’t just open doors for yourself – knock them down so they can never be closed again.’ It was a simple message, but one that encouraged me to aim high.”

She added: “In addition, I have been part of Girlguiding UK since the age of four, and am now a qualified leader. Looking back, it has been one of the most valuable extracurricular activities I have been involved in.

“My advice to any sixth former aiming for a competitive career like veterinary medicine is to look beyond your grades. Work experience, volunteering, extracurricular activities, and showing genuine commitment, does not only strengthen your application, but helps you grow as a person, build confidence, and develop valuable skills.

“Take every opportunity you can, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to go the extra mile – it will be worth it.”