Over the summer, 12 Xaverian economics students successfully completed a sought-after week-long work experience programme with NatWest in Manchester.
The opportunity grew out of a relationship established with Head of Lending Operations, Commercial & Institutional at NatWest, Tim McFarlane, who visited the college in January 2026 to deliver a guest lecture on careers in banking and the role of the financial services sector in the UK economy. Following his visit, students were invited to apply for a place on a week-long work experience programme at the bank’s Manchester headquarters in Deansgate.
The students, who are progressing into Year 13 at Xaverian, spent the week gaining first-hand insights into the world of banking, finance and business operations. The programme provided an excellent opportunity to experience the realities of working within one of the UK’s leading banking institutions and to develop skills that will support their future career aspirations.
Throughout the week, students attended sessions led by NatWest professionals covering a wide range of topics, including the role of NatWest in the UK economy, career pathways within the banking sector, supply chain finance, trade finance, lending, private banking and financial crime prevention. They also learned about agile ways of working and explored how NatWest supports entrepreneurship through its Accelerator Hub.
Alongside these industry-focused sessions, students participated in workshops on CV writing and interview skills, gaining an employer’s perspective and valuable guidance to help prepare them for future applications, apprenticeships, internships and graduate opportunities.
The programme also challenged students to apply their knowledge through team-based activities and a market simulation exercise, allowing them to experience some of the decision-making and analytical thinking required in the financial sector. At the end of the week, the students delivered presentations showcasing what they had learned and the insights they had gained from their experience.
The opportunity provided our students with a unique insight into the banking industry, while helping them develop confidence, professionalism and a greater understanding of the wide range of careers available within financial services.
Reflecting on the week, Tim McFarlane praised the students’ engagement and contribution, commenting: “The students did a great job on their presentations and have been a credit to themselves and the College. They asked great questions and showed keen enthusiasm during the week. I hope it has made a difference to them.”
Neve Leckie Traynor, from Manchester High School for Girls and studying A Levels in Economics, English Literature and Politics at Xaverian, spoke about the experience by saying: “My favourite part of the work experience was the market simulator because we got a chance to apply what we learn in lessons to a real-life scenario. I’ve thought about going down that kind of route, so it was a lot of fun and made me realise that I enjoy that side of banking.”
The partnership between NatWest and Xaverian College continues this academic year, with Tim due to return to speak to the students, now in their second year, about the Global Financial Crisis. Having worked for Morgan Stanley in New York during the 2008 financial crash, Tim will be able to offer students a unique first-hand perspective on one of the most significant economic events of modern times, bringing their classroom studies to life through personal experience.
Curriculum Leader for Economics, Nichola Houghton, said: “It makes such a difference to our students to have opportunities such as these to gain an insight into potential future career paths and the skills needed to work in the face-paced world of banking. We are incredibly grateful to Tim and his colleagues at NatWest for organising such a comprehensive and engaging programme. Their commitment to supporting young people and providing meaningful workplace experiences is greatly appreciated.
“We are proud of our students who represented Xaverian College exceptionally well throughout the week and embraced every opportunity offered to them.”