I have a genuine and growing interest in politics and a love of history.

History and politics are inextricably linked, with the former assisting our understanding of the institutions that shape our lives today. History is of course not merely the study of politics but also the study of humanity as a whole and this greatly interests me. I have been brought up within a business environment with my Mother founding a highly successful Call Centre and this accelerated my interest in politics and made it directly relevant to me. This thriving family business leveraged connections have led me to experience a political sphere way beyond that of an ordinary 17 year old. It has meant that I have had the opportunities to meet not only such senior Members of Parliament as Chris Grayling (the new Justice Secretary and Lord Chancellor) but to discuss topics at length with him and other ministers. I believe this to be a truly enriching experience. Involvement with the Wirral Investment Network prompted an invitation for me to accompany my local MP to Parliament for a tour and an opportunity to meet Mark Prisk, at the time Shadow Minister for Business and Enterprise. This visit enthused my interest in politics and truly compounded and contextualised my study of Parliamentary Democracy within Britain in the 19th Century. My historical studies have shown how certain political and philosophical ideas have inspired certain movements, such as the Communist movement within Russia. My study of The Great Terror by Robert Conquest and A Peoples Tragedy by Orlando Figes is an example of my practice of reading around the subject that underpins my academic success. My choice of A-Levels provides an ideal platform for the study of History and Politics. I feel that the study of History, English Literature and Theology has contributed in the significant development of my analytical skills. My study of Theology has included the two disciplines of Philosophy of Religion and Practical Ethics, both of which have prepared me to think about the cultural, political and historical circumstances that often directed the different currents of thought. I have enjoyed analysing texts, for example The Confessions of St Augustine or David Humes On Suicide, and I appreciate the often neglected influence of religious beliefs upon politics and history. My interest in philosophy led me to read On Liberty by John Stuart Mill which highlighted to me the link between philosophy and politics, as I recognised the impact that said work and the Utilitarian movement as whole had upon British politics due to my studies at AS level History. I have achieved much outside the academic sphere. As a keen sportsman, I have played to a high level, representing Cheshire U18s for Rugby. I also represent my school and a senior club at first team level. I contribute to rugby coaching within both club and school and help to develop the talents of youth within my club by assisting with coaching and training. This demonstrates my leadership and willingness to contribute. I represent both my school and a club for cricket as well as playing rugby. I am in the process of completing my Duke of Edinburgh Silver award, and in addition to this I am a member of my schools debating society, a founding member of the Philosophy and Theology society within my school and a member of the Guild of Altar Servers. I administrate, manage and captain two weekly six a side football teams. This has helped to develop me, not only in a sporting sense but also in communicating and liaising with others. It also requires me to manage financial accounts as well as players and this has given me a mature sense of responsibility and demonstrates my leadership and personal commitment to my own and others development, qualities that I would like to utilise further in a university setting.

I am adept at developing and delivering reasoned arguments; I have produced many successful essays in my A-Level subjects and I am excited at the prospect of taking this skill to a higher level at university.