Confidence on the Catwalk

It's been an exciting summer for Redland High Sixth Former Helen Battrick!  Out of nearly 400 entrants in a competition to find “Bristol's Next Super Model “, she was one of 12 finalists. The judges had to decide on two winners, one male and one female, and Helen was the overall winner of the girls' competition. She and the winner of the boys' competition, Niall Spence, both won a professional portfolio courtesy of Clifton Photographic Company and a contract with top London model agency, nevs.

Now Helen has made her first appearance on the professional catwalk as part of this year's spectacular Bristol Fashion Week held at The Mall, Cribbs Causeway. This was the place to be to find out about the key fashion trends for the autumn. There were many fashion activities to enjoy during the nine day event, including free cosmetic make-overs, but the catwalk parades were undoubtedly the stars of the show.

Helen took part in four shows in one day, appearing in front of large crowds, but said she was not nervous. “My friends were all in School working for their A levels, but my Dad, Mum and brother all came to give me their support.” She says she got her confidence from catwalk modelling at school. Each summer term Redland High girls put on a fashion show, designing, making and then modelling their own fashions, and it was this experience that has given her the confidence to perform.

However, Helen still has her feet firmly on the ground. ”The modelling is fun and really good experience” she said. “I'd love to spend my gap year modelling, but then I hope to go to University to study for a degree in English Literature”.

Helen is in the Sixth Form at Redland High where she is studying for four AS Levels. Headmistress Caroline Bateson said, “We're very proud of Helen's achievement. Her poise is typical of a Redland High girl, but we're pleased she's still focussed on her academic work”.