From North Lindsey travel student to fashion model jet setter

At just 20 years old, a former North Lindsey College student is taking the fashion world by storm having already featured on the cover of several international magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire.

Gemma Francis-Burnett came to North Lindsey College from The Axholme Academy in 2019 to study Travel and Tourism and now, five years later, she is flying around the world for editorial photoshoots and walking on runways for some of the biggest names in fashion.

“I chose to study Travel and Tourism at North Lindsey College because it seemed like it would be more fun than any other course on offer locally,” said Gemma. “By completing the course, I did pick up some important transferrable skills and it massively developed my confidence.

“Since leaving college, I have been travelling the world for work and have loved every minute. A standout moment and my biggest personal achievement so far was walking my first fashion show in Milan for Valentino,” she adds.

Gemma is represented by several global modelling agencies from New York to Tokyo, and a quick Google search will reveal an impressive portfolio of jobs she has worked on during her first four years in the industry.

One of Gemma’s former tutors and current Curriculum Lead for Travel and Tourism, Kayleigh Grierson said: “Seeing our students flourish in their post-study careers is always fulfilling. Gemma’s story is a perfect example of how North Lindsey College can provide local young people with key life skills that can serve in a variety of jobs, as well as support and guidance to help them reach their aspirations – whatever they might be!”

Plenty more success stories have come out of North Lindsey College’s Travel and Tourism course, with many students going on to work in various careers within the industry. Most recently, a student named Millie secured a role at Emirates and relocated to Dubai after gaining her wings.

As somebody who transitioned from studying travel to travelling the world, when asked what advice she would give a young person unsure of their path in life, she said: “Don’t worry too much, just choose what you enjoy!”