ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É

Why did you choose ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É?

I grew up in Manchester and have always been very close to my family, so the idea of moving away for university felt exciting but also a little daunting. I knew I needed to gain independence and experience living away from home, yet I didn’t want to be so far that I couldn’t easily return if I felt homesick.

I attended two other university assessment days before visiting ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, and on both occasions the weather was wet and miserable. More than that, something about each place just didn’t feel right. I like to listen to my gut feeling and trust my intuition, and neither of those universities gave me the sense that they were where I was meant to be.

ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É was the last place I visited, and from the moment I arrived something just felt right. The sun was shining over the Menai Strait and the Normal Site campus looked stunning with its view of the Menai Bridge. The staff who interviewed me—who later became my tutors—were warm and welcoming, and they explained the course in a way that instantly put me at ease. I even met other applicants that day who went on to become good friends. I trusted my instincts and accepted my offer as soon as it came through.

Tell us about your time at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É.

When I first arrived, as I’d predicted, I felt terribly homesick. Rather than let that hold me back, I used it as motivation to get involved and become part of the local and student community. I joined the student newspaper as an editor, became a student trustee for UNDEB ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É, and later took a 12-month break from my course to complete an International Year, working at the International Education Centre in international marketing and recruitment for the university. This gave me the incredible opportunity to attend recruitment events across the Middle East, visiting the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey—just before COVID cut my trip short and I had to fly back from Dubai before the borders closed and we all went into lockdown! Each of these experiences built my confidence, professional skills, and global perspective.

I also volunteered for Childline, supporting children and young people through a listening service, and completed an internship at CAIS, a charity based in Colwyn Bay. These experiences gave me a deep understanding of the importance of wellbeing and community engagement—skills that are invaluable in my teaching career.

Academically, the support I received was exceptional. At the start I had little confidence in writing essays or using academic language and referencing. I made full use of the free study-skills lectures, spent many hours in the library, and booked several one-to-one appointments with the study-skills advisers. They were always happy to answer questions and guide me through the process of producing strong academic work. By the end of the course I not only felt confident in my writing, but graduated with a First-Class degree—something I’m incredibly proud of.

My tutors created a small, warm and inviting learning environment where no question ever felt silly. By the time we finished our degree, we were like a little family. I would wholeheartedly recommend the course for its high-quality teaching, inspiring lectures and the variety of school placements across North Wales.

What did you do after you graduated?

North Wales was the perfect place to begin my career. I stayed for three years after graduating, living in Colwyn Bay and working in Welsh schools. It was an exciting time to be joining the Welsh education sector as the new curriculum was being introduced. Schools were eager for graduates who understood the changes in depth, and I enjoyed putting the Welsh language I’d learned and my knowledge of the curriculum into practice.

During this time, I also began working in a private school and quickly realised I had found my niche. I loved the environment, the approach to teaching and the opportunities it provided. When I eventually moved back to Manchester, I was fortunate to find a wonderful role at Manchester High School for Girls Preparatory School, where I now bring everything I learned in Wales into my teaching.

What are you doing now?

Alongside my teaching career, I’ve continued to nurture the love of lifelong learning that ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É instilled in me. While living in North Wales I discovered an incredible holistic community—full of therapists, retreats and classes—unlike anything I’ve encountered elsewhere. The people there truly know how to live a balanced life, spending time in nature and prioritising wellbeing, and that ethos has stayed with me.

Back in Manchester, I’ve been training in holistic therapies, currently working towards becoming a qualified sound and gong practitioner, and have gained certifications in Indian head massage and Reiki Level 1 and 2. I’m now developing my own wellness brand, Caroline Cartmill Wellness and Sound, offering 1:1 and group sessions to help people find balance and calm in today’s fast-paced world. Mental health challenges are more prevalent than ever and my aim is to equip people with the skills and strategies to cope with modern life.

As well as teaching full-time, I am also a member of seasonal staff for Carnival UK, working on P&O and Cunard vessels in the children’s entertainment department during school holidays. This role has allowed me to travel to some incredible places, make friends for life, and make the most of the school holidays I am blessed with.

How did ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É help you get to where you are today?

ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É didn’t just give me a degree—it gave me confidence, resilience and a belief in lifelong learning. The tutors made every student feel valued and supported, and the wide range of opportunities outside of the classroom helped me grow as a person. I left not only as a qualified teacher but as someone ready to contribute to my community.

What would you say to someone thinking about studying at ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É?

I couldn’t recommend ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É more highly. The teaching is outstanding, the setting in North Wales is breathtaking, and the sense of community is like nowhere else. My advice is to throw yourself into everything—join societies, volunteer, take on roles outside your course. Those experiences will stay with you just as much as your lectures and assignments.

ÑÇÖÞÉ«°É taught me that life can’t be all work—there also has to be time for joy. That lesson continues to guide me as both a teacher and a wellness practitioner, and it’s something I hope to pass on to every child and every person I work with.