Recently, NCW Sixth Form student Zac embraced this opportunity wholeheartedly, completing an exceptional work experience placement with his local MP, Blake Stephenson. Zac returned to his home community to take part in the placement – spending an inspiring week split between the constituency office and Westminster. It’s no surprise that his family and teachers are bursting with pride!

Praise from Zac’s placement

Zac’s contribution throughout the week was equally recognised by the team he worked alongside. Reflecting on his placement, Charley Snowdon, Office Manager to MP Blake Stephenson, shared the following feedback:

“Zac was an outstanding work experience student and impressed us throughout his placement. He demonstrated confidence and independence from the outset, including organising his own travel and managing complex logistics in a fast‑paced environment.

He moved confidently around the Westminster estate, worked efficiently across multiple settings, and remained fully engaged with every task he was given. Zac completed his placement alongside other work experience students from mainstream schools and worked exceptionally well as part of a team.

He approached all tasks with enthusiasm, initiative and a strong work ethic, quickly becoming a valued part of the team. Throughout the week, Zac showed maturity, professionalism and a genuine curiosity about the work he was involved in.

Zac has all the qualities required to succeed in a professional environment, and I have no doubt that he will continue to thrive as he progresses through his education and into employment.”*
— Charley Snowdon, Office Manager

From Zac – Year 12 student

“I just wanted to share what an absolutely incredible work experience week I’ve just had with my local MP, Mr Blake Stephenson.

Work experience is quite difficult to secure, and as a disabled student it is often much harder. I understand why – I’m registered blind and neurodiverse – but one thing NCW has taught me over the last three years is that, with the right help and support, I can overcome my disabilities.

That’s exactly what I did last week, thanks to Mr Stephenson, his amazing Office Manager Charley Snowdon and her team, who were so supportive and truly believed in me by giving me this opportunity.

I spent part of my week in Mr Stephenson’s constituency office, where I worked on the SEND White Paper consultation, had a go at drafting replies to constituency issues, and planned and chaired a mock debate with other work experience students.

I also had the privilege of spending two days at Mr Stephenson’s Parliamentary office in Westminster. I can’t describe just how amazing that was. I sat in on parliamentary debates, toured Parliament, met so many people, met MP Steve Darling and his guide dog Jenny, attended meetings with Guide Dogs and Bikeability – and I even got to meet an Icelandic race horse!

Throughout the week I had to use so many different skills. I trusted my mobility training to commute into London, supported by other students acting as my sighted guides. I had to troubleshoot my journey due to Underground strikes, meet lots of new people (which can be challenging when you are neurodiverse), and put into practice everything I am learning in my A‑Level Politics course.

Thank you, Dr Erry (aka the NCW Politics legend!)

I feel incredibly proud of what I achieved – it has truly been an epic week.

To all my friends at NCW, and to anyone who is visually impaired or disabled: whatever your dreams are, don’t let your disability hold you back. I will never forget this experience, and it has shown me not to limit myself. Going to university is now very much on my radar.

And finally, this is why specialist schools like mine are so important. Without the specialist teaching, support and therapy I have received at New College Worcester, none of this would have been possible.”
— Zac, Year 12