Isaac's award sets him on track for career success

Isaac’s a student at Dorton College, RSBC’s independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley, where he’s studying animation, gaming and graphics.

 

Before starting his course at Dorton, though, and while still at school, in June 2025 Isaac undertook work experience with Unity Xtra, a radio station in London that’s focused on engaging young adults through varied programming formats. The station works with DJs, presenters, music producers and guest artists, with a focus on rap, hip-hop and R&B.

Anne Woolsey, Careers Leader at Glebe School, supported Isaac during this time. She says, “He had many knock backs when he was looking for a placement, but he never gave up! He is so resilient and determined.”

His placement at Unity Xtra confirmed, the Glebe School careers team helped to make sure that it was accessible and safe for Isaac to travel there, and that he could access all the amenities he needed. With input from Isaac’s parents, Troy Joseph, Qualified Teacher of Young People with Vision Impairment (QTVI) from SEN Bromley, and Sharon Trull from Guide Dogs, they ensured his route was practised and that all health and safety considerations were considered.

Once at the radio station, Isaac smashed it! As Jermaine Ashbourne, Managing Director and Program Controller at Unity Xtra, said, “We were delighted to know that Isaac enjoyed his work experience placement with us. He was an exceptional young man to work with, and has a very bright future ahead of him. We believe that every young person should have the same equal opportunities, regardless of their individual circumstances.”

And Isaac’s amazing success led Anne to nominate him for a SEND Star award. Each SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) school, as well as various organisations that support young people with SEND in the London Borough of Bromley, can put forward young people in recognition of how they’ve overcome challenges and faced adversity head-on.

“He excelled during his work experience placement,” she explains, “and I felt that his determination and drive deserved to be recognised.”

The award ceremony, hosted by the SEND department at Bromley London Borough Council, took place on Thursday 27th November.

 

And now let’s hear Isaac’s story in his own words…

 

“I was honoured to be put forward for the SEND Star Award by my school.

But let’s start at the beginning.

I was put forward for it because I found my own work experience for Year 11 at a radio station in Seven Sisters.

I knew I wanted to do something to do with music. So I contacted Blind in Business, and they helped me find a radio station called Unity Xtra. I told Anne, my secondary school careers lead, about it. We contacted Guide Dogs to help me with the travelling, and they took me and one of my teachers to the radio station to be risk assessed and for travel training.

We all worked as a team to help me get the placement. The school was happy with it, so I got to do it for two weeks’ work experience. I had to travel to and from Beckenham to Seven Sisters every day for two weeks, independently.

At the radio station, I did a radio show, produced a song, and got to use all the controls with no support. The only time I had support was from my boss when I was learning something new. The rest of the time, I was independent with a visual impairment.

So that’s why I was entered for the award.

 

Let’s move on to the ceremony...

 

I went to The Warren in Bromley for the ceremony, where I saw my careers lead, Anne, who supported me at the event. I also met my music teacher, my music teaching assistant, my drama teacher and my headteacher from school, who I hadn’t seen since June. I also saw some of my old friends.

I was presented with the award in a hall with lots of other SEND young people who were also put forward for it.

In each category, three people were selected. I did not win first place for the SEND Star Award, but I came in second place as a SEND star runner up and I got a certificate.

80 people get put in for this award and only 3 get selected for each category. I was selected in the SEND “Star in the Workplace” category.

I met some people from Mencap, the Bromley Vision team, and the Mayor of Bromley. My old school also did a performance.                        

And most importantly, there was unlimited cake, hot chocolate and tea!

Lots of pictures were taken, and I got one with the Mayor. 

That is my story.”

 

On behalf of everyone at RSBC, congratulations, Isaac! We can’t wait to see what you achieve during your time at Dorton College!