OUR ALUMNI FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Angharad (Harry) works as a Project Lead for Careers in the Arts in Newbury, Berkshire. She works closely with two local theatres and is responsible for managing and delivering a huge range of activities to school students from West Berkshire and North Hampshire. She studied Drama at the University of Winchester, but realised that life on the stage wasn’t her calling. She has now found the perfect niche whilst remaining in the Arts. Her advice? Do what makes you happy! It’s perfectly normal not to have everything figured out. You can read more about Harry’s story here.

Hannah is currently working as an Events & Customer Service Officer at the University of Sheffield. She is also an experienced event steward, working at concerts, festivals, comedy shows and ice hockey games! Hannah has had a fascinating journey to where she is now, via forensic science, make-up artistry and eventually a degree in International Events Management. Her advice? Learning never stops. Expand your horizons whenever you have the opportunity. You can read more about Hannah’s story here.

Mick is Headteacher at Stokesley School and Sixth Form College. He was a successful, sporty student up to his GCSEs, but had a much more challenging time through his A Level and University years. Starting as a PE teacher, he quickly found his way into senior leadership, becoming deputy head at a school in Malton and eventually head at Stokesley. His advice? Be inspired by and learn from people you respect. Allow their influence to become a part of who you are. You can read more about Mick’s story here.

Rebecca is a paediatric nurse, caring for children and their families and supporting them through what Rebecca describes as: “Sometimes the scariest time of their lives”. She trained at Northumbria University, graduating with First Class Honours. Rebecca was recently chosen to speak at a high level medical conference, where she presented resources she had developed for a high-dependency unit. Her advice? Work hard. Be yourself. Keep doing the little things that you enjoy – and have fun! You can read more about Rebecca’s story here.

Ben is one of the few students in the country to have gained a Distinction grade at his VTCT Level Two Diploma for Hair Professionals (Barbering). He started by doing work experience at The Men’s Room in Richmond, then was quickly taken on full time to complete his apprenticeship. He now has his own station and is building up his client list – they appreciate his skill and dexterity with scissors and clippers, as well as his easy-going manner and knowledge of football! You can read more about Ben’s story here.

Hannah is a midwife, though she arrived there via quite a convoluted route, starting by studying the wrong subjects at A Level!

She eventually graduated with First Class Honours from Northumbria University, then worked her way to become Delivery Suite Coordinator, now overseeing a large team of people. Her advice? Be yourself. Work hard. Take opportunities, however hard or nonsensical they migh appear at the time.

You can read more about Hannah’s story here.

Pippa is one of the UK’s youngest female commercial helicopter pilots. She raised money to fund her extensive training by working two jobs in Richmond, gaining her ‘wings’ at the end of 2023. After more technical training, she is now working in Aberdeen, flying to and from oil rigs in the North Sea. Her advice? Women should actively seek out careers in traditionally male dominated fields like aviation. You can read more about Pippa’s story here.

Ellen is a Triple Distinction CTEC Sport graduate from Richmond and has been a goalkeeper since she was four. She spent a year as Girls’ Football Development Coordinator at Richmond School, bringing her boundless energy and positivity to the role. She is now studying Paramedic Practice at Teesside University. Her advice? Step outside your comfort zone and to try something that challenges stereotypes. You can read more about Ellen here.

Chris runs Open Door Art, a community interest art company delivering art programmes to communities, schools and charities. He has travelled extensively, working with young people from the local area to as far away as India. Chris has a long history of sport, playing cricket for Richmond first team and being one of the original members of the Richmond Mavericks. His advice? In the toughest of times you often find the most unexpected opportunities. You can read more about Chris’s story here.

Will is the Artistic Director of Life and Limb Puppets. The company have recently finished touring their show ‘Dragon’ around the country and continue to work with schools and young people from the local area. Will studied Drama and Scriptwriting at Northumbria University as well as training at the Danish Institute of Improvisation and the Curious School of Puppets. You can read more about Will’s story here.

Benji is a Mechanical Design Engineer at Electroimpact, a world leading company in the design and manufacturing of aerospace tooling and automation. He’s currently working on a project for the manufacturing assembly line for Airbus A320 aircraft wings. After his A Levels, he studied Mechanical Engineering at Durham University, graduating with a Master’s. You can read more about Benji here.

Tom is a business leader and entrepeneur. He left Richmond School at 16 then travelled extensively, visiting 64 countries in four years. His main jobs have included sales, personal training and recruitment. Recently he sold his first business for an eight figure sum. He’s not even 30!

His advice? School is your life foundation – this is where you find your core values. You can read more about Tom’s story here.

Ronan graduated from the University of Manchester with a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Geography and is now studying for his Master’s in Climate Change: Environment, Science and Policy at King’s College, London. His studies have involved extensive travelling including studying evidence of past glaciation in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco and a year at the University of Maryland, USA where he collaborated with NASA! You can read more about Ronan here.

Richard is an industrial designer, building historian and architect. He studied Industrial Design at De Montfort University, then retrained as an architect at Kingston University. His is a Director of his own studio which has been established for over 30 years. He has recently graduated (again!) from the Unversity of Cambridge with a Master’s in Building History. You can read more about Richard’s story here.

Kathryn runs a private Psychotherapy and Counselling service in Northallerton. She has delivered mental health and psycholgical support for Help for Heroes, the NSPCC and national charity Young Minds. She has a BA in Childhood Studies and a Master’s in Social Work from Durham University.

Her advice: “Always know you are enough – no one has all the anwers.”

You can read more about Kathryn’s story here.

Royston, is a freelance cartoonist whose work appears regularly in magazines such as Private Eye, The Spectator and others. Royston has exhibited in group and solo shows and is the co-organiser of the Herne Bay Cartoon Festival. He has also worked as a journalist, mostly as a sub-editor at The Times, and was part of a team of cartoonists on the TV quiz show Eggheads that gave the team the biggest defeat they had ever had!  Find out more about Royston HERE.

Jude has enjoyed a varied and very successful career in marketing with companies such as Orange and Sage Accounting Software.  She is currently Deputy Director of Business Strategy for Department of Work and Pensions, one of the biggest government departments. Find out about her career and some useful advice on the diverse opportunities in the Civil Service here.

Arthur attended Richmond School in the 1960s and, following a successful career in the healthcare industry, became a crime writer. Arthur has recently published his eighth novel ‘Outlive the Lie’.  Arthur kindly came into school to share his writing experiences with students and inspire the next generation of budding writers. You can find out more about Arthur’s work and his visit to school HERE.

Alexandra is a paramedic with Yorkshire Ambulance Service.  She studied at Sheffield Hallam University.  Alexandra came back to school to do voluntary CPR training with our Year 8 students.  For an insight into the life of a paramedic read Alexandra’s Q and A here. 

A stonemason and builder by trade, who has a love of breeding Dales’ ponies and restoring vintage tractors, Stephen is also a professional pantomime dame!  We loved catching up with Stephen who offers some great advice for any students who would like to be involved in a drama or musical theatre group. You can read his Q and A here.

After his degree, Andy applied to be a pilot in the RAF but discovered that he was not only colour blind but was too tall to fit in most aircraft! He went on to work with Dowty Information Systems and other communication companies before moving to Westcoast, who at the time was a smaller player in the industry. Twenty years later and Andy is Westcoast’s Group Operations and Logistics Director and the multi-country company now has an impressive £4billion turnover! Find out more about Andy’s career here.

Hannah has been dancing since she was three and as soon as she realised Dance could be a job, it was the only one for her!  After studying at Bird College, teaching in Ireland and gaining her registered teacher status, Hannah is now the owner of Dales Dance.  Enjoy Hannah’s Q and A here.

A business management graduate, Hayley worked in finance roles at J Sainsbury Plc and and in merchandising at Missguided before making the decision to run her own business with her partner Sam Turner. Find out more about this young entrepreneur here.

After A-levels, Ed read Applied Theatre and Community Drama at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts and graduated with a First Class Honours. He then took various film and television roles. He has returned to Richmond as the Georgian Theatre Royal’s Youth Theatre Officer. Find out more here.

Matt is a firefighter with West Yorkshire Fire Service. Although Matt qualified and worked as a primary school teacher, it was always his dream to become a firefighter. Matt offers some valuable guidance to students who may be considering a career as a firefighter in his Q and A.

Alicia graduated from Middlesex University with a First Class Honours BA Dance Practices degree.  She is working on dance photography and was welcomed back as a Dance cover teacher at Richmond School and Sixth Form College. Find out more about Alicia here.

Josh joined Middlesbrough Football Academy after his GCSEs and was quickly signed up as a professional player. He is making impressive progress with the club. Find out more here.

After her A-levels, Cally completed a host of childcare qualifications and in 2019 she set up her own business, Cally Smith Childcare.  In 2022, Cally was crowned the national Nursery World Childminding Business of the Year. You can find out more here.

Sacha serves in the Royal Navy in the Electronic Warfare Division Division.   She was honoured to be part of The State Gun Carriage Crew who pulled the carriage that took Queen Elizabeth II on her final journey. Find out more here.

Daniella had a passion for languages from an early age and has forged a successful career in this field. Having studied German, French and English Language A-levels, Daniella went on to read French and German with Dutch at the University of Newcastle Upon Tyne. Since graduating, Daniella has lived and worked in Germany where she runs her own successful teaching business.  We hope you enjoy Daniella’s  Q and A.   (photo credit: Katrina and her camera)

After studying Psychology and Education, Nicola worked as a teacher in the UK, Mexico and Bahrain. She currently works as a senior Educational Psychologist with a special interest in autism. She offers some great advice to students here.

For students who are interested in a career in town planning, alumna Caroline Musker offers practical information and advice on careers and getting into the industry here. Caroline joined the UK’s largest independent planning consultancy – Lichfields as a Graduate in 2004 and was successively promoted to Senior Director in 2019. She was appointed by Prologis (the largest global industrial real estate investment trust) as their UK Head of Planning in March 2022.

Kim is a qualified chef with an HND in Hospitality Management. In 2007, Kim decided to pursue a career in accountancy and is now an Accountant with Walter Dawson and manages their Northallerton office. Find out more about her career here. 

With a First-Class degree in Music and French from Royal Holloway University, Sophie is currently working as a freelance professional singer. She performs internationally with world-renowned group Tenebrae, alongside a number of other ensembles as well as working as a private tutor and freelance translator.

Luke left us in 2013 after completing his A-levels. He is now co-owner of multi-award-winning BSA Electrical. Luke is maintaining strong links with Richmond School and Sixth Form College by taking on students as apprentices. You can find out more about Luke here.

Georgi offers some valuable advice to students about studying Veterinary Science and working as a Vet, as well as keeping fit to help physical and mental wellbeing.  Click here to find out more from Dr Georgi Sutton-Walker MRCVS.

Ellie has wanted to join the police since she was 11 years old and following a rigorous selection process, she has been recruited as a Special Constable with North Yorkshire Police. Devoting over 16 hours each month to the voluntary role, Ellie is keen to become a full-time Police Officer. Find out about Ellie’s experiences and her advice for anyone who is interested in a career with the Police in her Q and A.

Angela worked as an audiologist before becoming an enterprise coordinator with the NYBEP Careers Hub. In her role, Angela supports our students with our students and careers leaders to deliver work experience, mock interviews, to name a few. Find out about Angela’s career path here.

Steph is Head of Dance Science at London Contemporary Dance School where her role involves three main areas of work; healthcare, education and research.  In her Q and A Steph offers some fabulous advice for students who are interested in furthering their studies in Dance or Dance Science and considering a career in this field.

Tom is the sports psychologist at Middlesbrough Football Academy, has a Masters in sports and exercise psychology, is studying for a PhD in performance and management psychology and has his own business, Leading Edge Performance.  In Tom’s words ‘Don’t be afraid to find yourself travelling a different direction’. Click here to find out how Tom made the most of every opportunity to reach his goals.

Samantha Weston is a solicitor specialising in conveyancing at Hunton and Garget.  Samantha has some great advice for students in her Q and A who may be considering a legal profession and the different routes available to achieve this.

After graduating with a first-class honours degree in Civil Engineering, Dan works for Taylor Woodrow and is currently working on HS2. For students who are interested in a career in Civil engineering, Dan offers a wealth of information and advice on scholarship and apprenticeship opportunities,  careers and getting into the industry. Click HERE for more information.

Andie is embarking on a career in the Military Police after completing her basic training.  Her ambition is to become an RAF dog handler. Find out more about Andie’s work HERE.

Cara is at the sharp end of British Parliament, working as a committee sub-editor in Hansard, the official reporters of all Parliamentary debates of both the House of Lords and the House of Commons.  Find out more about her fascinating work HERE.

Emily left Richmond Sixth Form College knowing that she wanted to work in education. With a keen interest in sport, she is working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant, specialising in PE and Forest School. Find out more about Emily’s role HERE.

Jo is the founder of Kiss the Moon a multi-award-winning company founded in 2014 selling aromatherapy, night-time skincare, bath and body products and home fragrance. Jo is also the founder of Boom Innovation, a leading marketing agency.

Thomas’ career in Earth Science has taken him from Swaledale to Antarctica, where he currently is a project manager for the British Antarctic Survey and leads the Halley Automation Project which enables continuous monitoring of the ozone hole over Antarctica. Read a fascinating Q and A with Thomas HERE and find out more about when he came back to visit Richmond School to talk to our students HERE.

After completing a BSC in Human Biology and a Masters in Biomedical Research, Sam joined the Royal Air Force in September 2020. Following his officer training, Sam is currently undergoing specialist training to become a Weapons Systems Officer.  There is some fabulous advice for students who are considering a career in the RAF in his Q and A.

Following her A-levels in Design Technology, Dance and Classics, Naomi attended the University of Northumbria, gaining a First Class Honours Degree in Fashion Design specialising in Textiles and specifically knitwear.  She is enjoying a successful career as Womenswear Knitwear Designer with River Island. You can find out more HERE.

Anneka has blended her experience and passion for food technology and business to create her own business, Tiffin Annies. Before setting up her company, worked for Young’s Seafood and Froneri, where she gained huge experience and knowledge about the food industry which offers a wide range of career opportunities. Click HERE to find out more about Anneka’s career path.

After graduating from Oxford with a BA in Psychology and Linguistics, Ellie completed an MSc in Educational Neuroscience at Birkbeck, University of London.  Ellie is still at Birkbeck where she is studying for her PhD, working on understanding how toddlers’ brains develop. Click HERE to read Ellie’s fascinating Q and A.

Matty has been passionate about sport since being given his football shirt for his 5^th birthday.  It’s not only his hobby but he is also planning a sport-related career. Matty attends Sheffield Hallam University where he studies Sport and Exercise Science and he plans to move onto Northumbria University to study Sports Business Management as a postgraduate degree. Enjoy our Q&A with Matty HERE

A world-famous hairstylist, Mark is Founder and International Director of leading British hair brand Electric, encompassing award-winning salons, an ethical product line, global education and a photographic and film studio. Mark was the host of our 2021 Presentation Evening. Find out more about Mark HERE.

Evie is a talented singer-songwriter who regularly features on BBC Introducing and will be headlining at Liverpool’s world-famous Jacaranda Club. Find out more about Evie’s fantastic music HERE and follow her on INSTAGRAM

With a successful career in finance and business, Peter has worked in a number of finance roles and has lived and worked in America for over 30 years. His Q and A is a fascinating read for any students who are interested in this field of work.

As well as being a published poet, Michael has been a lecturer in Creative Writing at Lincoln University, worked as an editor on Stand magazine, set up two publishing concerns of his own, directed various festivals and has been a reader for London-based literary agents. Click HERE to find out more about his work.

Following sixth form, Graeme joined Randall Orchard as a Junior Manager and qualified as a Chartered Builder in 1996, after seven years of studying. In 2004 he bought the company, becoming Managing Director.  A third of the company’s staff are alumni of Richmond School. Find out how Graeme supports our students with apprenticeships HERE

Jason always wanted to be a journalist. He really wanted to be a footballer but he wasn’t good enough. Becoming the Executive Editor of The Independent, when he was just 30 years old, Jason is the Chief Football Correspondent for the Telegraph.  We were delighted to catch up with Jason to find out how he was inspired and encouraged by his teachers at Richmond Sixth Form College, his time at Cambridge University, his early years at the Liverpool Echo and his career at the Independent and now at The Telegraph. Find out more HERE

Ellie, of the University of Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, is an inspiring microbiologist. She has an amazing background in research which has taken her to some fabulous places and enabled her to work with some great scientists from around the world. Find out more about Ellie’s fascinating work HERE

Richard’s work as a video journalist has taken him to some amazing countries to cover some incredible stories. He is hanging up his camera to make career change and become a French teacher.  Click here HERE to find out more about Richard’s fabulous career so far, and what has inspired him to go into teaching.

Nigel Farndale was supposed to be a farmer. He is an award-winning interviewer, features writer and author.  He is the obituaries editor of The Times and won a British Press Award for his interviews.  You can discover more about Nigel’s fascinating career HERE or visit his website NIGEL FARNDALE

Since graduating with a First in English and American Literature with Creative Writing, Alice has forged a fascinating career in publishing, working as an Editorial Assistant in the Picture Book team at Walker Books. Walker Books publish for a host of well-known authors, including Michael Morpurgo and Sophie Dahl. You can read a great Q and A with Alice HERE

From a young age, Aaron had an interest in the Armed Forces and was also inspired by many family members who served in the Navy and Army. He joined the Navy as a submariner and you can find out more about his role and advice for students who may be considering a career with the Military HERE

Laura never gave up on her dream to become a midwife. In spite of facing a number of challenges she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Midwifery with First Class Honours and is now a midwife at Doncaster’s Women’s hospital and is loving every minute. Find out more about Laura’s journey to becoming a midwife HERE

 Liam is in his final year studying BSc Economics at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Liam will be starting his career at a small financial advisory firm in September, focusing on Mergers and Acquisitions. There are so many career opportunities in the world of Economics, Business and Finance and Liam has some great advice for students HERE

Ben graduated with a first class honours degree in Veterinary Science from Nottingham University.  After completing the first degree, he is taking his two-year second degree, after which he will be qualified. Each year, we have students who are very interested in pursuing careers working with animals, as vets or nurses, and Ben offers some great advice in his Q and A which you can read HERE

Since completing her Honours Degree in International Development, Lucy has held senior roles in the field of sport, using football to promote social development. Lucy is currently Programme Manager at FC Barcelona. Prior to this, Lucy worked on the official legacy campaign of the 2010 FIFA Men’s World Cup. Enjoy a fascinating Q and A with Lucy HERE

Charlotte left Richmond School to pursue a career in dance. After qualifying as a dance teacher, and performing nationally and internationally, Charlotte has set up her own award-winning dance school at The Station in Richmond. Find out more about Charlotte HERE

Helen has worked in the food sector throughout her career, working her way up to the position of Commercial Director at Wrights Food Group, She has alongside leading names in the food industry, including M&S, Sainsbury’s, Morrison’s, Jamie Oliver and Shell. We are delighted to share a Q and A with Helen HERE

Mark studied from 2005-2012 at Richmond. After qualifying as a music and maths teacher he returned as a teacher in 2015. Mark teaches both subjects and also leads the jazz band. His sister, Jill, an ex-student, is also a maths teacher at Richmond.

After his GCSEs and A-levels, Aaron studied for a NVQ in Construction whilst working as a General Labourer at Swale Scaffolding. Qualifying as a Part 1 and Part 2 level scaffolder, he progressed to Assistant Contracts Manager. Promoted to Contracts Manager in 2014, Aaron works closely with the school offering apprenticeships to our students – click HERE for further details.

After her A-levels, Jasmine became the first student ever to gain a degree apprenticeship. She works for Morrisons Plc in the retail sector where she is a manager responsible for a large team of staff. The graduate scheme operates in conjunction with Sheffield Hallam University.

Following his A-levels (English Language, Latin and Maths), Jonathan studied a BA and MA in Classics at Newcastle University, before becoming an advertising copywriter. He has written ads for Jack White of the White Stripes and Kylie Minogue, among others! Jonathan has just published his first fantasy novel ‘Bury Me Where They Fall’. Read more about Jonathan HERE

Dr Alison Mowbray is an Olympic rower. A Cambridge graduate, with a PhD in Molecular Microbiology, she is also a teacher, nutritionist, inspirational speaker and leadership development consultant and coach.

Catherine  left Richmond to pursue a military career, studying for her A-levels and degree whilst being a full-time officer at Sandhurst. At the age of 26 she became a platoon commander. After a promotion to Captain she is now at the rank of Adjutant.

Matt Hoss, studied Drama and Theatre Studies, at the University of Kent, and is a full-time, stand-up comedian. He has toured nationally and has performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. In addition, the entrepreneur runs a chain of national comedy clubs. The award-winning comedian writes and performs for BBC Newcastle’s Grin Up North as well as writing for the British Stand-Up Comedy Archive.

Semi-professional racing driver, Max Coates, is also a director of a marketing agency and holds a first-class sports marketing degree. Max recently returned to school to host the local-area sports presentation evening.

Right Hon. The Baroness Hale of Richmond DBE attended Richmond School in the 1950s. She has had an incredible legal career and was the United Kingdom’s first female President of the Supreme Court.

In 1844, Charles Dodgson, more widely known as Lewis Carroll, began his studies at Richmond School, 21 years before he penned Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.

In the 1800s, Charles Grey, 2nd Earl, was a student of Richmond School. He went on to become the Prime Minister from 1830 to 1834.