Beyond the grade

After being expelled from school at 15, without GCSEs, Sam Clark faced an uncertain future. Today, she helps design and deliver education and development programmes, supporting NHS colleagues to grow and thrive at every stage of their careers.

“I’m proof you can get back on track and succeed, even if you need to take a detour along the way,” said 44-year old Sam, Head of Education and Development at KCHFT.

“I didn’t enjoy secondary school – not at all. I went to an all-girls school and I just didn’t fit in. I was more of a tomboy and I hit the rebellious teenage phase hard. The school was strict and I clashed with teachers. Eventually, in year 10, I was expelled for playing truant too often.

“For a couple of years after that, I drifted. I didn’t feel I was doing anything productive and I knew I needed to sort myself out.

“I went back to college and studied five GCSEs in a year. English, maths, law, psychology and sociology. Being able to choose subjects that felt relevant to me made all the difference. After that, I worked different jobs until at 21, I applied for my first job in the NHS as a training administrator.

“At first, I was shocked by how different the NHS was to my previous jobs in the private sector, but I saw opportunities to make things better. Even in my first admin role, I was able to modernise processes and introduce new ways of working. From there, I progressed to admin team leader and then, thanks to a manager who saw potential in me, I stepped into a role in learning and development.

“Public speaking terrified me at the time, but my manager believed in me and gave me the support to take the next step. That led to a series of roles helping other NHS colleagues develop their skills, especially those who, like me, didn’t follow the traditional academic path.

“Over the years, I’ve completed professional qualifications while working, including training practice certificates and a CIPD Level 7 in human resources (HR). I was terrified to even apply. I only had five GCSEs, no A-Levels, no university degree, but my college tutor said something that stuck with me.

“He said: ‘If you work hard, you will do this.’ He was right. I worked hard and I passed. That qualification opened the door to senior roles and eventually I completed a Master’s in HR.

“So, to anyone who thinks your school grades define you, they don’t. You can continue to learn later in life. There are so many routes into the NHS today, especially through apprenticeships, clinical support roles and on-the-job learning and I am very passionate about encouraging people to take these learning opportunities up.

“It’s not about having all the right exam results. It’s about your attitude, your commitment and your potential.

“Don’t be afraid to start small. That first step could change your whole life.”

Being a KCHFT colleague means having access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities so you can enjoy a fulfilling career.

If you didn’t get the exam grades you expected, it’s not the end of the world. The NHS can offer you on-the-job training and endless opportunities to progress.