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Our Stories

At the heart of Vet School is community. Hear from our current students, staff, and alumni about their HKVS experience.

Interested in writing an article about your experiences at HKVS? Get in touch via pressoffice@hkvets.ac.uk

Charlie wearing graduation gown and cap. Second photograph shows Charlie wearing a branded t-shirt about to start his role as a farm animal vet

Five years goes incredibly fast: Charlie reflects on his vet school journey Five years after arriving at university as a first-year student, Charlie Padfield has begun his career as a farm animal vet in Sussex. He shared his inspiration to becoming a vet and advice for anyone considering applying to veterinary school.

Harriet wearing graduation gown and cap accepting an award from Professor Michael Lee.

From dairy farm to farm vet Growing up on a dairy farm played a huge part in shaping Harriet’s ambition to become a vet.

Photograph of Azeemah standing next to a sheep positioned and ready to enter a CT scanner.

My career journey, from rural mixed practice to veterinary public health Veterinary surgeon Azeemah Parker’s career has combined clinical practice, government veterinary work and academia.

From vet school to farm vet Part of the pioneer cohort of Harper & Keele Veterinary School students, Lewis Gregg secured a role as a farm vet shortly after his graduation in summer 2025 and was awarded Young Farmer of the Year at the 2025 Farming Awards.

Photograph of nine people standing together in a line, two large screens behind them with various logos displayed.

Future vets gather for Association of Veterinary Students Congress 2026 Veterinary students from across the UK have visited Harper & Keele Veterinary School for the Association of Veterinary Students Congress (AVS) 2026.

Photograph of Leah wearing waterproof overalls carrying out hoof care, next to a photograph of Leah standing in front of a research photograph

Vet student celebrated as emerging leader within the veterinary industry A talented student from Harper & Keele Veterinary School has been named as an emerging leader within the veterinary profession.

Heather standing in front of her research poster.

How Heather’s passion for animal welfare led to presenting at an international conference Harper & Keele Veterinary School student Heather Lambert has presented at the UFAW International Animal Welfare Conference, sharing research examining the uptake of vaccinations for pet rabbits in the UK.

Image showing Okemute standing to the right hand side of an Association of Government Veterinarians roller banner. Second image of Okemute holding a lamb, barn and pens to the background.

Take every opportunity and go for it: My vet school journey “Take every opportunity and go for it” - Okemute reflects on five years of experiences at HKVS.

Rob hand feeding a calf and Rob post procedure, with the horse in the background.

Discovering a passion for equine medicine: A rollercoaster ride through vet school Countless hours spent watching David Attenborough and Steve Backshall documentaries first sparked Rob Jervis’ interest in animal welfare.

Jess wearing a teal scrub top, scrub hat and surgical gloves performing surgery. Right hand photograph is of Jess standing and holding a lamb, bottle feeding.

Inspiring the next generation of farm animal vets Jess Varney always dreamt of becoming a vet. Her path to vet school wasn’t straightforward, and after completing an Animal Science degree in 2019, she joined Harper & Keele Veterinary School as part of the pioneer cohort.

Two photographs of Maddy Shorthouse, left hand side Maddy is wearing a scrub top, stethoscope and holding a hedgehog. Right hand image shows Maddy holding an animal wrapped in a blanket.

Building community and embracing every opportunity From organising social events and whole school balls to representing peers across several boards and groups, final year student Maddy Shorthouse has helped to build a supportive and social community in the Harper & Keele Veterinary School (HKVS).

Liz Batrum wearing a teal scrub top standing in front of the HKVS building at Keele.

Student Liz is chasing her dream of becoming a vet after MS diagnosis at 42 A woman who was told she had multiple sclerosis (MS) when she was 42 years old is preparing to take part in a sponsored skydive to raise money for a support group that she says changed her life.

Charlie Padfield, standing front right of the photograph, wearing a navy coat. Flock of sheep in a pen in the background. Green trees and fields with grey skies.

Second Harper & Keele Vet student takes up role as Veterinary Society President A Harper & Keele Veterinary School student has been appointed as the National Farm Animal Veterinary Society (FAVS) President for 2025–2026.

Sarah Tomlinson presenting HKVS student Lexi Barnes with the RABDF Farm Health Management Award

Vet student scoops Farm Health Management Award A final year Harper & Keele Veterinary School student has secured the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers’ (RABDF) Farm Health Management Award.

Harper & Keele vet student Maddy standing in front of the Houses of Parliament

House of Lords placement for vet student Maddy A vet student’s interest in public health and small animal medicine and surgery recently took her to the House of Lords to broaden her knowledge of veterinary policy and the parliamentary process.

Leah Griffiths bottle feeding a calf

Harper & Keele Vet student appointed National FAVS President 24-25 First year Harper & Keele Veterinary School student, Leah Griffiths, has been appointed as the National Farm Animal Veterinary Society (FAVS) President 2024 – 2025.

Cate Bishop and Rebecca Dore

Veterinary Medicine students reflect on visit to DEFRA Third year Veterinary Medicine and Surgery students Cate Bishop and Rebecca Dore spent time in London to shadow the Minister of State for Food, Farming and Fisheries.

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