North Liverpool Academy

“I remember the day Mr Bargery first told us about the Physics trip in Year 12. I wasn’t too sure, so I said no. Then, in Year 13, he asked again and this time I said, ‘Why not?’. I never knew one small decision would change my future.”

That simple decision led Joy to join the UK Space Design Competition (UKSDC), where NLA students collaborated with others from across the region at the University of Liverpool. Despite not winning the regional round, Joy and two classmates were later selected to represent NLA at the national finals at Imperial College London. At nationals, Joy worked in the Humans Department, focusing on life-support and comfort systems for a space settlement:

“I was assigned to design the suits – outdoor, working, casual and indoor – with someone else. We couldn’t just copy NASA; we had to create our own original designs. I spent time asking physicists at the university questions and speaking to students. It was intense but so rewarding.”

The team’s innovation paid off — they were crowned UK National Champions.

A few days later, Joy received news she would never forget:

“ I was on the bus back home from school, thinking about exams coming up, and I saw a message in the group chat about the selected students. I was lost, confused, happy, scared, grateful… If I were to describe the moment in one word it would be: miracle.”

Joy was one of just 12 students in the UK selected to represent the country at the 2025 International Space Settlement Design Competition (ISSDC), held at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre, in Florida.

Joy describes her experience as unforgettable. Her flight took 10+ hours from the UK to Florida. When the 12 UK participants arrived, she described:

“It was like stepping into another world, 400 students from different countries, all working like real aerospace engineers. This time the challenge wasn't a settlement on a planet - it was a floating one on the surface of Venus, with pressure 92 times greater than earth and temperature 464°C. Everyone was determined. It felt like we were a real company pitching to investors, full of energy, teamwork, and chaos in the best way.”

Beyond the competition, Joy and her teammates explored Florida, visited space exhibits, went swimming, shopping, and even completed an escape room together. “It wasn’t just a competition,” Joy said. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the friendships, the challenge, the teamwork, everything felt bigger than us.”

Over the summer, Joy also joined a 10-day Tall Ship Voyage, developing her leadership and resilience through another unique NLA enrichment opportunity.

Now taking a gap year after achieving A, B, D in Mathematics, Further Mathematics and Physics, Joy plans to pursue a higher apprenticeship in Mechanical Engineering.

Reflecting on her journey, she shared:

“Without the trips, I wouldn’t be where I am now. My teachers encouraged me to take opportunities I never thought I could.”

Joy’s story is a shining example of the enrichment and opportunity available at North Liverpool Academy Sixth Form, where students can access world-class opportunities and aim beyond the ordinary.

If you are interested in joining a Sixth Form that empowers students to reach extraordinary destinations, apply to North Liverpool Academy Sixth Form today or sign up for our next open event.