Above: Aaron at Stepney Bank Stables with Larry, one of his favourite horses  

An aspiring equine vet who has volunteered with horses for more than a decade has secured a place to study Veterinary Medicine at university.

Aaron Law, a recently-graduated Sixth Form student at Dame Allan’s Schools, achieved A, B, B in biology, chemistry and physics. He will take up his place at the University of Nottingham in April 2026, following a short gap year.

Driven by a lifelong love of animals and a deep interest in veterinary care, Aaron has spent the last ten years volunteering at Stepney Bank Stables – a registered charity in Newcastle that supports young people through working with horses.

“My passion for animal welfare began at home, but it’s been shaped and strengthened through my time at Stepney,” said Aaron, 18.

“Working with the horses, and seeing the impact the staff and volunteers have on both animals and people, confirmed that I want to become a vet.”

Aaron joined Stepney Bank, in Ouseburn, through its young volunteering scheme and quickly became one of the charity’s most committed volunteers. By the age of 12, he was working independently, and has since become a mentor for younger volunteers, supporting staff with a wide range of tasks and completing safeguarding training. He also incorporated time at Stepney Bank as part of the Community Service volunteering programme at Dame Allan’s. 

Aaron plans to continue volunteering and hopes to travel before beginning his veterinary studies at Nottingham next year. 

Dame Allan’s Principal, Will Scott, said: “Aaron’s story is a powerful example of how volunteering can shape character, build confidence and develop real-world skills that complement academic study.

“His decade of service at Stepney Bank reflects compassion, consistency and a deep-rooted sense of responsibility — qualities that will serve him well in veterinary medicine and beyond.”