Holly Baker, OQ, is thriving at the University of Warwick and is following her passion for performing arts and dance. She is thoroughly enjoying studying Theatre and Performance studies and has recently been involved with a variety of projects and committees. Including being elected Production Manager for the Shakespeare Society and becoming the chair of the Student-Staff Liaison Committee for her course.

Holly studied at Queen’s from 2018-2020 and joined the school for sixth form after attending Uffculme secondary school. She was awarded both a performing arts and sports scholarship as well as additional financial support through a bursary.

Whilst at Queen’s, Holly was a very involved member of the school community and made the most of the opportunities she was given. She was particularly involved in the drama department and enjoyed taking on roles in ‘Sister Act’ and ‘For Queen’s and Country’. The latter was written by the then Head of Performing Arts, Steve Evans, to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.

Holly’s last few months at Queen’s coincided with the first coronavirus pandemic lockdown. However she has expressed her gratitude for the support she was given during this difficult time.

She said:

“Throughout my time at Queen's I had so much support from all my teachers and the sixth from centre especially during the start of the pandemic. The sixth form centre played such an important role during the lockdown to give us all a routine and reassurance. Something that I really valued during that time was the work I did with the Ivy House leadership course which really helped in my transition to university.”

Holly completed her A level studies with an impressive set of grades. She was awarded a place to study at the University of Warwick. They are currently the number one university in the UK for drama, dance and cinematics.

Since being at University, Holly has been involved in many performance society’s including being the production manager for the Shakespeare society and teaching ballet in the dance society. She has also been involved in two dissertation performances. These included ‘1001’ a devised performance on exhaustion and a dance performance on the concept of loneliness called ‘Islands’ both of these productions received awards from the department.

Holly is also the chair of the Student-Staff Liaison Committee for the theatre department. She has most recently been working with Exeter Northcott Theatre, helping them establish an inter generational project with the young company and Cafe Theatre for mature adults.

The support the Foundation gives to many pupils makes a real difference to their educational journey. Providing financial support is a vital part of their work and helps many pupils reach their full potential at Queen’s.

“There are endless positive things I could say about my time at Queen's. I can’t express enough how warm and inviting staff and students were during my short time at Queens.”