KING’S Ely Sixth Former Annabel McCraith is certainly one to watch out for in the fashion and design industry in the future.

Annabel, from Bassingbourn in Hertfordshire, achieved A* grades in Fine Art, Textiles and Photography in her A Levels and, after a gap year, is going to Nottingham Trent University to study Fashion Design.

Annabel joined King’s Ely Senior in Year 9 and says the school’s state-of-the-art Art Department and expert staff have been the perfect combination for enabling and encouraging her creativity to shine.

Annabel said: “The Art Department at King’s Ely is amazing, but it’s not just the facilities that are great. Mrs Rhodes and her team organise so many different workshops, both in school and out of school, as well as special trips and exhibitions for us all.

“I have exhibited my work at places like Olympia, Alexandra Palace and Burghley. It’s not only brilliant being able to showcase our work at high profile exhibitions and venues, but the connections we are able to make with people and organisations in the fashion and design industry is very useful too.”

Last year, Annabel secured a work experience placement with legendary British fashion designer, Bruce Oldfield Couture, and she is excited to be returning there during her gap year.

Bruce Oldfield is best known for his couture occasion wear. Notable clients include Sienna Miller, Barbra Streisand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Diana Ross, Emmanuelle Seigner, Rihanna and Joan Collins, to name just a few.

Despite spending a lot of her time at King’s Ely in the Art Department, Annabel was also heavily involved in Ely Scheme, the school’s unique outdoor education programme, where she was an avid member of the bouldering and climbing teams.

Congratulations Annabel – enjoy your gap year and best of luck for Nottingham!

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