Richard Taunton Sixth Form College wasn’t originally part of her plan, but when Florrie Hannan-Wood opened her GCSE results, she knew she had to pivot.
Options When Results Didn’t Go Her Way
Having missed out on her first-choice college, she arrived at Richard Taunton feeling uncertain about what the future would hold. Fast forward two years and she’s leaving with an unconditional offer to study at Performers College in Brighton after taking centre stage as Carrie in the college’s ambitious production of Carrie: The Musical.
For Florrie, it has been a journey she never expected.
“If I’m honest, it wasn’t my first choice,” she admitted. “I had planned to go somewhere else, but my GCSE results meant I came here instead. However, it turned out to be a very positive surprise. Since I didn’t know anyone, it felt like a fresh start, which was refreshing. The environment is very supportive and positive.”
A Supportive Environment
That supportive environment allowed Florrie to flourish both personally and academically.
During her final production at Richard Taunton, she took on the demanding leading role of Carrie, performing four shows across two days. After a highly competitive audition process, months of intense rehearsals followed on top of coursework, stage combat workshops and masterclasses with West End actress Evelyn Hoskins, who previously played Carrie in London’s West End.
At first, Florrie found the role daunting.
“I was quite shocked that I’d been cast as Carrie,” she said. “I didn’t know the character very well initially, but I grew into understanding her over time. Evelyn helped with the details, like mannerisms, posture and how Carrie interacts with others. That helped me really connect with the role.”
But as rehearsals intensified and the pressure mounted, Florrie’s confidence only soared.
“Show week is the best time because everyone comes together and shares the same feeling. Performing with the full lighting, set and live band completely transformed the experience. It made everything feel real.”
But perhaps the biggest transformation happened away from the stage.
“I’ve changed a lot,” Florrie told us. “I’m much more confident and comfortable being myself. At school, I felt pressure to fit in, and I wouldn’t have openly said I was doing a theatre course. Now I fully embrace it and feel proud of it.
“The teachers are fantastic. They’re professional but also approachable and supportive. We perform all the time, which means you’re constantly putting yourself out there, but there’s no judgement. It feels like a close-knit community.”
Feedback from Family
For Florrie’s mum, the difference over the past two years has been remarkable. We just had to share her feedback.
“When my daughter started at Richard Taunton College, I genuinely doubted whether she would see the course through. She had endured a very difficult experience at secondary school and, in many ways, had been written off. Neither of us felt particularly optimistic after her GCSEs.”
“Within a week of starting at Richard Taunton, her entire outlook changed. For the first time in years, she began to enjoy learning again. The teachers created an atmosphere that was inclusive, positive and genuinely caring.”
“I watched my daughter transform into a confident young adult who loved learning. The additional support provided by the college, together with the kindness and inclusivity shown by both staff and students, has been invaluable.”
“Today, she holds an unconditional offer from university, something I never imagined would be possible just two years ago. For that, I will always be thankful.”
Florrie will now begin the next chapter of her journey at Performers College, having successfully navigated yet another competitive audition process that included applications to some of the country’s leading drama schools. While she had some rejections, she was able to take them all in her stride and reframe the rejection as redirection after ending up at Richard Taunton – a place where she felt like she was meant to be.
Her long-term ambition is to perform in the West End before one day opening her own theatre school, inspiring future generations of performers to follow their dreams.
Looking back, Florrie has one message for students who may not get the GCSE results they hoped for… when one door closes, another door opens.
Learn more about Performing Arts – Musical Theatre at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College.
