Meet Katie Marshall
Katie’s journey is one of determination, personal growth and incredible achievement.
After completing her A Levels, Katie joined Middlesbrough College to study the Access to Higher Education Diploma in Policing – and quickly made her mark both inside and outside the classroom.
From championing and representing her peers as Student President to being named Student Leadership Award winner at the College’s 2026 Annual Student Awards, Katie has made the most of every opportunity that came her way.
We caught up with Katie to hear more about her journey, the experiences that shaped her and what comes next!
“I’ve gained a Distinction in every single graded unit, making it my most successful academic qualification to date! I’m so proud of this achievement.
“Thank you to everyone, especially my tutors Paul, Lee and Darrin, for pushing me to strive for perfection even when I said I couldn’t.
“Studying at Middlesbrough College wasn’t just about academics. I have learned how to be an adult, how to budget, how to dress in a style that felt right, how to balance life and school, how to advocate for myself, and the simplest: how to use the bus!
“And yet, with all those learning curves, I never doubted once that I’d made the right decision.
“I’m learning that I can be a good student, a good leader, and a good representative. I’m learning that I can. My self-confidence has been at an all-time high.
For Katie, her College experience was also about having the right support around her.
“Navigating my newly acknowledged and diagnosed ADHD, autism, anxiety and depression was a scary journey, and yet I never felt as though I was neglected.
“In fact, I received more support in the first two weeks of my first year than I did in the five years I spent at secondary school, even when I didn’t have my diagnosis. Without those in place, I don’t think I would be the same person I am today.
“I have to give special thanks to Thomas Courtman-Stock for his charisma, commitment, and dependability throughout my time, and more broadly, the provisions provided by the ALS team.”
Her growth and commitment to supporting others were recognised when Katie was named Student Leadership Award winner at the College’s 2026 Student Awards. However, for Katie, the award represented far more than a trophy.
“The last time I won an award was 10 years ago, and I’ve spent those years watching the successes of others and wishing I’d done something better, quicker, braver, stronger than them.
“This award is validation that perhaps I’m doing something right, and it has been recognised.
Now, Katie is ready for her next chapter – and has received an offer from Northumbria University to study Criminology and Forensic Science.
“For the first time in my life, I’m excited to see where my life will go.”
From a student who once doubted whether she belonged in education, to Student President, award winner and proud Access to HE graduate – Katie’s journey is a brilliant reminder of what can happen when you find the right support, believe in yourself and give yourself the chance to grow.
We’re incredibly proud to call Katie one of our alumni!
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