We were delighted to welcome Jack Harvey (2020), Kian Goodwin (2022), Will Crawshaw (2022) and Paddy Pearce (2022) back to Collegiate last night to speak at our Sixth Form Open Evening. They all did a really fantastic job of, not only promoting what the Sixth Form here at Collegiate is all about, but also by demonstrating just what is possible as a result of working hard and making the most of every opportunity. All of our amazing OCs were excellent role models and spoke brilliantly, doing a fantastic job of representing our OC community. We are very grateful to them for taking time out for us in their busy schedules.

Jack is currently at medical School in Cardiff and travelled back especially for the evening. He recounted how the small class sizes and strong relationships had been most beneficial and how he had really made the most of the opportunities on offer getting involved with public speaking, Bronze Duke of Edinburgh and sport. Jack had trained with Amber Reed had three times a week. The school had provided Jack with excellent support to prepare him in gaining a place at medical school, both with his application and in bringing in GPs to give him interview practice. Whilst training Jack is still heavily involved in sport and is captain of the medics’ football team and he also volunteers with the ambulance service.

Kian joined us in the sixth form 2020-2022 and is so pleased that he did as it really paved the way for where he is now-which is on an apprenticeship with Deloitte. Here he is on a Finance and Accounting apprenticeship gaining high level experience and is “earning while learning”. Future Leaders was really helpful in securing this place. Kian spoke passionately about how the people are what makes the school brilliant. He too threw himself into the sport on offer playing hockey and rugby while he was here. Kian spoke about how teachers make the school and how he had also appreciated the small classes and lunch (well these things are important!)

Will spent ten years at Collegiate before joining JP Morgan on an apprenticeship where he is studying for a degree through Exeter University. He spoke warmly about the Collegiate values of getting on with people, having a sense of service, and about being a good person. Will really appreciated the great people and breadth of opportunity at school and spoke about the EPQ and how this had helped him with his application to his apprenticeship. Outside of lessons Will had completed Gold Duke of Edinburgh, played a lot of rugby and really respected the values which the school had instilled in him. He shared with our vistors the fact that the school really encourages you to be the best you can be in whatever you choose to do.

Paddy spent five years at Collegiate before signing for Bristol Bears and as so many of our current Year 11 look up to him and his success we were delighted that he was able to take time out of his busy training schedule to join us.Paddy’s words were particularly poignant, and we were touched with his recognition of the support for his particular pathway. Paddy is a great role model for demonstrating that not only has he operated as a top-level sportsman, he also left with some fantastic exam results. This was a great message to share.