All Former Pupils (Alumni)

Tomas joined us in 2006. He remembers watching a snowball travel over 30m and land on Mr Wiltshire's shoulder. "I don't know who threw it, but neither did he!"

He remembers his favourite teacher:

Mr Baxter. He was an athlete back in his day and knew how to talk to and inspire students, especially with an interest in sport. A fond memory of him was when I had just got home from school and I get a knock at the door. I lived next door to school. Mr Baxter had come to ask me to represent the Year 10s and 11s in a tennis match against Alcester High and I was in Year 8. I felt honoured, and I almost beat their number 1 seed.

Tomas is a Marketing Analyst and Campaign Management Executive. "I create and manage the marketing campaigns and manage the marketing team to execute them, at a college."

Dave joined us in 1976.

He has many fond memories of school especially "Mr Perkins - Technical drawing was my most enjoyable subject and he was always patient and willing to explain things that you didn't grasp."

Dave is now a manager of a waste to energy plant.

Esme started in 1975. She remembers Studley High being, ..."a great school with excellent facilities."

She told us that Mrs Tracey was her favourite teacher, as "she always believed in me."

Esme is now a Personal Assistant to a Managing Director.

Stuart started in 1995.

His favourite memory was playing gigs with 'The Badgers'!

He thought Mr German and Mr Russell were fantastic in his final year.

Stuart currently works as a Finance Manager for a Software Company as well as bringing up his family in Studley. 

Paul joined in 1983.

His memories include having to sit outside the head masters office, after being sent out of class, whilst everyone walked past between classes. Shameful!

He remembers Mrs Owen (Art) who was, he says, "a great Art teacher with a fantastic sense of humour."

Paul is now a National Design & Build Manager for Vodafone, based in Leeds.

Catherine joined Studley in 2010.

She was inspired by Mr Brooks (Science), "he was so set on getting pupils to do well and he went above and beyond to make sure they got the grades they wanted."

Catherine is now at De Montfort University studying Marketing.

Kerry started in 1996.

I remember when I took my rat into school in my blazer pocket, they sent me home (obviously not impressed!) I also remember the last year we had the floats for the fantastic fete they used to have in Studley.

Kerry particularly remembers Mrs Stanley, Mr Pickett, Mr Kirk, Mr Jennings and Mr Jenkins.

"I have a fabulous family and I love running my household."

Nick joined Studley in 2010. He remembers the friendly staff and people in the Student Support Centre, where he enjoyed break and lunch-times, and his confidence grew.

His favourite teacher was Mr Brooks (Science). Nick says, "he was an excellent, amusing chemistry teacher who inspired me to take Chemistry A-level."

Nick is now studying A-Level Maths, Physics and Geography, to study Civil Engineering at University.

Grace joined Studley High in 2010.

Her memories include: "Meeting the most beautiful life long friends and learning so much about so many different interesting subjects. I loved PE lessons, especially dodgeball."

She remembers these members of staff: "Mrs Joyce and Mr Rose were so lovely. Mrs Joyce never gave up on me in maths, and I just loved every RE lesson with Mr Rose."

Grace currently works for a leading cancer charity providing emotional support to people affected by and living with cancer. She is also a qualified midwife and has previously worked for a women’s domestic abuse charity. She told us: "I always wanted to support and care for others and feel truly blessed to be in my current role."

Pat joined Studley when it opened in 1955. She was a was a pupil at Mappleborough Green School until Studley was built. "When I started I was very much looking forward to the new gym and lab and cookery room....but in those days we were educated to be married, (yes, we even used to take our dad's shirts to school, to wash and iron!)". When Pat left Studley, she worked in the inspection section at the Needle Industries.

Pat recalls the Head, Mr Harper, who was very was strict, "I remember he threw a piece of chalk at me because I Iooked away from him! The best teacher was Mr Earl, the Art teacher and this was my favourite subject too. I always enjoyed painting. I liked PE too!"

Pat went to Redditch College aged 40. She completed O' Levels and went on to work for NACRO, Police and Sandwell Youth Offending Team. Pat retired at 69. 

Adrian joined in 1987.

He remembers James Handslip, Simon Bailey and himself performing “Man in the Mirror” on video which was shown in assembly to the whole school. (Adrian says "If you still have that, you have a very expensive bargaining tool!") 

His favourite teacher was Mr Perkins, who was "an amazing swimmer for for a disabled gentleman."

Adrian now works as a General and MSK Sonographer providing Specialist Ultrasound (privately and through NHS). We asked him why ultrasound?

Well I always wanted to do physiotherapy, specifically sports physio but I couldn’t get in due to demand. I looked at radiography as in X-rays etc, looked really good so I did that. Once I started the placement at the hospital, they put me in Ultrasound, fell in love with it straight away. I had to spend a minimum of 2 years in X-ray before I could specialised in Ultrasound. I did that of course and now finally have come full circle, using Ultrasound to diagnose sports injuries. So I got there in the end. I now do a lot of private work as well as NHS and also teach at medical conferences as musculoskeletal ultrasound is very specialised as not many do it but massively in demand, which is good obviously."

John joined Studley High in 2003.

John's memories from school are of bunsen burners, overhead projectors, blazers for goalposts - (he says. "all cliches but you do miss them as you get older!").

He was inspired by the former headteacher Mrs E Young, who taught Business Studies. She commanded respect and led a challenging class to strong results, all whilst managing the school as a whole.

John is currently an account manager for a global media agency.

Ella joined us in 2010.

She remembers results day and the leavers assembly.

Mrs. Edey inspired me the most, as she gave me the confidence needed to pass Maths (a subject I had once really struggled with). I achieved 3 A- levels in History, English Literature and Sociology. I have just started studying joint honours in Criminology and Sociology, at Coventry University.

Richard started school here in 2010.

He told us about his memories of Studley High:

My best memories are about the teachers, all of whom were passionate and engaging, Mr Whitman, Ms Choudhry, and Mr Rose stand out particularly. I will always be grateful to Mr Rose for bringing out the best in my writing skills and helping me get an A in my GCSE Philosophy and Ethics.

Richard went on to study International Relations and Politics at University of Lincoln and is now studying a Masters in International Political Economy at the University of Birmingham, having graduated from Lincoln with a 1st.

Rachael Dale (now Rollisson) joined us in 2000. The best thing about school for her, was meeting her husband who is also a former pupil!

Rachael remembers Mr Lopeman and Mr Nicoll, "they always made their lessons fun and interesting!"

Rachael is now a Jump Rope Coach, at Junior school and after school club and she has also set up a company teaching in schools and running events.

Keith joined us in 1957.

He recalls:

Mr Harper was the Headmaster. I remember Hills coaches laid on transport. We would travel from Moorfields Alcester and my best friends were Dave Avery and Morris Cole.

Currently:

I worked for a local paint sprayer for J.H.Wilcox (who turned out to be Toyah Wilcox's dad!)

I did have a hard life, bringing up 5 children alone, but always stayed working in a service industry in Licensed Retailing.

Kaylee joined Studley High in 1997. She remembers the sound advice from her Business Studies teacher who used to say "wipe the sweat from your hand before you walk into an interview". She tells us it came in very useful later in life!

She recalls Mr German - (Maths) and is now a Housing Officer.

Dan started with us in 2008.

Hi best memory of school was a German trip to Aachen in December 2011.

Mrs Lumley’s passionate teaching of the subject really opened my eyes to the benefits and enjoyment, of learning a foreign language. So I jumped at the chance to go to Germany and experience a 'proper' German Christmas market. A combined journey time of 18 hours (all in the same coach seat) did take it out of me, but experiencing the market stalls, the German food, and the atmosphere was a breath-taking experience and rather overwhelming for 14-year-old me! To this day, I can still remember the fantastic church tour, and the delicious German breakfast in a typical German café. And to top things off, I distinctly remember being very proud of myself due to my recount of the trip being put in the school magazine! The whole experience is something I will never forget and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip.

His favourite teachers were Mrs Stephenson and Mr Pickett.

Mrs Stephenson suggested that I should become a Primary teacher. I was hesitant at first, but she motivated and believed in me and being given mini-responsibilities by Mr Pickett around school, such as: being named senior prefect and being put in charge of wet break and lunches (which I thought was a big thing!) gave me the confidence and belief to follow my dream.

Dan graduated as a primary school teacher in 2018 and has been teaching in a Junior School in Solihull since September 2018. He has taught Year 4 (Sept 2018-July 2020) and now teaches Year 6.

Alex started in 1999.

He remembers, "..hanging out in the music rooms and performing in various talent shows, trips to Vermont for skiing and music retreats at Ingestre Hall."

His favourite teacher was Miss Donna Brogan:

She made me change my options from History to Music at the last minute and I ended up getting a B in my GCSE's. She pushed me to be a better musician.

Alex is now an Independent Record Producer & Entrepreneur. He started his own music business in 2015 after finishing his Masters degree at the University of Wolverhampton.

Ian started at Studley in 1985.

His fondest memories are of being part of the school football team with his friends. He remembers Mr Baxter (PE) who supported Ian with looking at a career in coaching sports, which Ian did for many years.

Ian now support adults with learning disabilities to access the local & wider community. He supports them with all aspects of their lives to offer them a sense of belonging within the local community.

Kay Elliott (now Guilfoyle) started in 1980.

Our year started the tuck shop!

I also remember spotting Roy Castle walking around the school on his own (he came to present awards to 5th year students).

Kay remembers Miss Chester, Mr Hyslop and Mrs Owens.

She is now a Consultant in Sales.

Katie started with us in 2000.

Katie tells us:

Looking back, the laughs I used to have in lessons were my favourite part of my time at Studley High School - they really were the easiest and more care-free times of my life. To give a few examples I remember when a bird flew into Maths class and pooed on someones head or when Mrs Findlay asked a fellow pupil what a nuclear family was and he responded 'a highly explosive family'.

Staff she particularly recalls:

I have so many fond memories of teachers at Studley). Mr Kennaugh - a formidable head teacher who taught me a lot about politics and the country as a whole. He had an unwavering belief in me that I had never experienced before and always empowered me to act like an adult. Mr Pickett - who I will always remember chastising pupils who were not properly lined up outside his class or hadn't tucked their shirt in; he was firm but fair. Mrs Hughes - such a kind lady, who was always a listening ear.

Katie is now a  self employed event director:

After leaving Studley High School, I went to Alcester Grammar School for my A-Levels and then went straight into Events Management - a career which I never knew existed. I'm now a self employed Event Director and live on a farm in North Devon - life never quite pans out how you expect it to! I've been lucky enough to manage events globally for the Royal Household, Government and well-known brands such as Jaguar Land Rover, JCB, Bacardi, Triumph and Fiat Chrysler. I've had some incredible experiences, but all of that was born of a confidence developed at High School; a free-spirited passion and ambition that came from being treated like an adult (even when I didn't want to be).

Lisa joined Studley in 1977.

She remembers the school cruise (!) on the SS Uganda.

Her favourite teacher was Mr Wilson (PE) because, "he let me play cricket (which the girls didn't do) and made me realise that if you wanted something badly, there would always be someone to help."

Lisa now works as a document controller.

Alex joined us in 1997.

Alex tells us that he has has too many memories to pick a single one, but a few 'stand out moments' were "the great trips we went on such as going to Canada for skiing in Year 8 and Alton Towers in Year 11."

Alex remembers Mrs Hughes (Languages) who was his form teacher in Year 8 and of course his teacher of languages. He recalls that she was a 'genuinely wonderful person'.

Alex is now a technical author for an IT company.

Derek joined us in 1957 (he thinks!) and particularly remembers Mr Harris (Maths) as being a teacher who was always encouraging and stretching capabilities.

Derek is a retired accountant (FCMA).

Emma joined in 1996.

Emma's memorable moment in school was, "The time I got a bit too animated telling a story to my friends, flung my arms out in the corridor at the precise moment Mrs Gunde our German teacher walked past, hitting her in the chest...I've never been so embarrassed!"

Emma remembers Mrs Stevens (Biology) - she always looked forward to her lessons. She remembers the potato osmosis experiments and heart dissections!

Sue is now a Head Veterinary Nurse.

Rebecca started in Year 8 in 2006.

She says she has lots of great memories. She used to love sports and the competition between the form groups. She says that she felt she was part of the best form group 'JXH' (Mrs Hodges).

Rebecca's favourite teacher was Mrs Hodges. "she helped me through from Year 8 to Year 11 with everything she did."

She is now living in Hannover, Germany and teaches English to children in a kindergarten (age 3 - 6).

Emily Grimble (now Herbert)  came to Studley in 1984.

She fondly recalls the French exchange to Allant sir Tholon and is still in touch with her exchange partner Stephanie!

Her memories of the staff include: Miss Leatt, Miss Chester & Mr Hyslop - she loved PE and all the matches she used to play after school.

She currently works in management accounting for the NHS.

Gareth started in 1993.

His memories:

I had a great time at Studley High. They where right all those years ago, they were some the best times of my life. Met some fantastic friends who I still see 21 years on. The year of 1993 rocked and I cannot believe it's been 21 years already.

About staff:

I really remember Mrs Stanley. She understood me and took me under her wing.

Gareth now operates a 42 tonne truck at a company in Evesham after serving for 8 years as a Royal Engineer.

Marie joined us in 1987.

She recalls 'Activity Week' as her favourite time at school. Her favourite teacher was Mrs Tracey and she is now a Sales Co-ordinator.

Charley joined in 1999. Her memories of school are of Mr Picketts Science lessons and her English teacher.

Charley is a Childrens Support Worker and is currently completing her Social Care degree. She completed TEFL, qualified as a Teaching assistant, was offered a position working in English summer camps in Italy and Austria over the summer and decided to go to University when returned.

Stacey joined us in 1994.

Stacey tells us she has too many memories to recount but Mrs Stephenson was her most memorable teacher. "She was the nicest and most down to earth teacher."

She is now a Benefits Officer for Redditch Council.

Eleanor joined Studley High in 2003. She told us she had many fond memories of school.

One of her favourite memories was at the end of Year 11. She recalls a group of pupils giving Mr Pickett a present in his Science class and seeing how much it meant to him.

She remembers Mr Pickett and Mrs Lumley. She said, "They were both such amazing support, they gave me encouragement and motivation but were also always there when I needed anything; whether it was to do with their subject or not. They also pushed me when I needed it which I now really appreciate (maybe didn't appreciate it as much at the time!). It was good to know that even when you weren't sure what you could accomplish, they had faith in you and were willing to help and advise you however they could."

Eleanor is now a Physiotherapist.

Debbie joined us in 1986. She told us she loved her time at school and remembers Miss Leatt being her favourite teacher. "She was so energetic and dedicated."

Debbie is now a Police Officer.

Paul joined Studley High in 1957.

He remembers Mr Harper, the headteacher being, "a very strict man."

He loved cross-country and the road runs.

He left school in 1962 and having completed his training to join the Royal Navy, missed out on a post on the Ark Royal, with an injury.

He then joined the Fire Service, serving for 30 years before (nearly) retiring.

He was awarded an MBE in 2015:

I was presented with my MBE by Her Majesty the Queen. We spoke and she asked me about the work I had done, setting up the trauma support team."

Paul set the trauma support team up, voluntarily, which then became the critical incident debriefing unit. He rolled this out to various stations and was awarded his MBE for his commitment to this.

Latasha joined us in 2000.

Her favourite memory of school was going to college on a Friday. Her favourite teacher was:

Mrs Ingram, the best form teacher ever!

Latasha went to Moreton Morrell to study Agriculture, and then continued for a further 3 years gaining 2 diplomas. She met her husband there and now lives on a farm, running an equine livery business in Surrey.

Debbie Humphreys (now Stanley) started with us in 1978.

Her memories:

Happy times - some great teachers who saw something in me and pushed me to achieve. Great discipline that taught us respect.

Her teacher memories:

Mr Roger Young, Mr Kevin Pickett, Miss Jo Chester, Miss Leatt.... who took us camping and climbing which I continued into adult life where I climbed in the Alps. Mr Grainger, a fabulous teacher, used to sit and chat to us in lessons about all sorts of things, probably learnt more about life in those informal chats than in a 'proper' structured lesson! Mrs Tracey - a bit of a stickler but taught us respect.
Mrs Titchmarsh, the best teacher EVER. taught me to type and set me up for my first ever job.

Debbie told us:

When I left school, I worked at a local estate agents, and then worked as a typesetter at WHY magazine, then a graphic designer in Astwood Bank. I ended up running a huge marketing department for Listers before finally working as a practice manager at my husband's dental practice until I retired early.

Thanks to my education & hard work in life this has enabled me to retire early and have the best life ever. I now make jewellery and crafts as a hobby.

Craig joined in 1971.

Craig remembers, "in my first year the headmaster was Mr Harper who I understood to be an ex-military man. He gave house points for pupils who swung their arms when walking along the corridor! I stayed on for the 6th form and obtained an A Level in Economics which was possibly a one off."

Craig has memories of Mr Johnson (Maths) "...he had a great sense of humour and wrote 'annanarf' on the blackboard to denote 'and a half'! We were allowed to attend his funeral when he sadly died during my years as a pupil."

After a successful career as a Senior manager at Lloyd's Banking Group, Craig is happily retired and still lives in the village carrying out volunteer work.

Mark joined in Year 9, in 1979.

He arrived at Studley High at the end of 2nd year going into 3rd from Greville High in Alcester. Playing musical instruments was something that came naturally to Mark; his Mum was a piano teacher.

I joined the school band and various groups and snapped up the opportunity to have the leading role in 'Smike', (a musical about Nicholas Nicholby and the life at Dotheboys Hall, very Dickensian!!) It was great fun and went down very well."

He remembers Mr Granville as "a cool dude!" He says, Mr Granville was "a man of the 60’s with an air of the free spirit. "I had metalwork with him but he was my year tutor at one point. He was the kind of person who treated you as an adult, would give you good advice and treat you fairly. He used to say to me, 'Remember Mark, an empty vessel makes the most noise!  It’s something I think of to this day."

Mark is a retired Military Musician and Police Officer.

I took my Music O’Level on June 28th 1982, on 29th I was in the Army as a musician. I served in The Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment, The Royal Engineers and the Army Air Corps until I left in 2005. I had the pleasure of soldiering in various wars, performing music all over the world including Royalty, heads of state and the public, had tea with The Queen, shook Princess Diana‘s hand, joked with Prince Charles and grew up the military way. After leaving the Army, I taught Music in Swindon before joining the Wiltshire Police 2006. I became a detective in 2009 and was knocked off my bicycle whilst cycling home in 2015 and was retired due to injuries sustained in the RTC 2016. I still play music in a local band and enjoy the piano at home in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Louie started at Studley High in 2009.

He told us there were far too many good memories to choose just one!

The Italy trip was definitely one of the highlights of my time at Studley High. I made so many friends who will be with me for life.

He also told us that his favourite teacher was Mr Pickett, "a very inspirational and kind man who was responsible for my love for Science and encouraging students to do well."

Louie is now studying a Chemistry degree at University of Central Lancashire.

Chloe joined Studley High School in 2010.

Mrs Hatfield inspired me the most out of all the amazing teachers at Studley High, I really struggled with Maths throughout the five years but she really made it easy and fun for everyone in the class. Mrs Skelding also really inspired me in RE lessons which led to me choosing Theology as an A- Level.

After leaving Studley Chloe attended St Augustine's where she achieved 3 A-Levels in History, Theology and Sociology and is now working as a Building services Electrical Engineer.

You may know Justin Kerridge as District Councillor for Studley, representing the local community, but Justin is a former Studley High School pupil who joined us in 1980.

Justin had fond memories of school productions and in particular his teacher, Mrs Tracy, who was passionate about literature and performance.

Nikki joined in 1983.

She remembers her 1st French exchange and French teacher, Mrs Robinson who retired at the end of her fourth year in school.

Nikki met her years later at the NIA - sat behind her watching Davis Cup tennis!

Nikki is now an insurance specialist for the Legal sector.

Paula Marshall (now Thirtle-Watts) joined Studley in 1974.

She recalls the school trip to London when "we went to see Jesus Christ Superstar - I've loved musicals ever since...and going to see Romeo and Juliet as an outside performance at night with Mrs Hogarth."

Paula remembers Mr Parkes for "...teaching accounts (debits and credits finally clicked the day of the exam!), Mr Snell for finally making Maths make sense, Mrs Robinson because I loved French and Mrs Hogarth because she terrified me!!"

After I left Studley High I went to Stratford College and studied for a BEC National Diploma in Business Studies and then went on to Leamington College to do a Personal Assistants Course. We then lived in Florida between 1983 and 1987 where I worked as a nanny and then as a secretary in a bank. When we returned to the UK I decided I needed a more challenging career and so went to Birmingham Polytechnic as a mature student to do an Accountancy Foundation Course. I qualified as an ACCA in 1992 and I am now Corporate Manager for a firm of chartered accountants in Shrewsbury and celebrate my 30th year with them this year!

Lydia Meredith (now Venus) joined in 1996.

She fondly remembers the talent show for Year 9 Enterprise and Mr Wake, Maths Teacher.

Lydia is now an Executive Assistant at NEC.

Jennifer Mole (now Robinson) started in 1997.

I have too many memories to mention but stand out memories relate to the French exchange I took part in 2 years running - I can still hear Mrs Hughes reaction as a coach driver circumnavigated the Arc de Triomphe roundabout!

My favourite teacher was Mrs Hughes  - a lady whose enthusiasm was never dampened even when faced with seriously challenging pupils!

Jennifer now works as a Communications Manager for Sheffield Hallam University and she loves her job. She's married to a Yorkshireman who she met holiday. Sheffield is very much her home now.

Atiya started at Studley in 2008.

Her memories of school:

Performing in the Christmas plays and pantomimes (I really miss acting!) Learning 'Hit me baby one more time' in German (Schlag mich baby noch einmal!) which I still sing to my friends doing German! Doing performances in the amphitheatre for History and Classical Civilisation, and holding our very own symposium. Helping design the Studley needle monument on the roundabout. Being a mentor and prefect! Also, being a house captain was very fulfilling and gave me invaluable leadership skills. I remember doing a sponsored silence for Children in Need....a 9 hour art exam! Participating in European Languages Week.

Teachers who inspired or stood out:

Madame Tarby-Donald - always praised me for my abilities in French, I always used to ask for more French homework. Mrs Ayton - advised me to go into translation. Miss Beddoes - helped me improve my confidence in performing, as well as self-confidence in general.

Atiya graduated in French, English Language and Italian at University of Birmingham last year.

I am now doing an MSc in Psychology and working in Community Management in Paris. I did a few summer internships and workshops in digital marketing and operations. I needed to get out of the UK before Brexit, so I applied for countless jobs, until my current manager replied. I can't even remember applying for my job, but I love it here! We are a young, dynamic, multicultural team, and I can speak in any language I want, which is just the job I was looking for after graduation.

Jack started at Studley in 2005.

He remembers the teachers "only wanting the best for us."

He particularly remembers Mrs Joyce & Mrs Stephenson. "They always pushed me to be the best I could be."

Jack is now a Bakery Manager.

Jo joined us in 1977.

Jo remembers a Geography field trip to Conwy in North Wales (but wouldn't expand on why!)

She recalls that Mr Wilson always made lessons interesting and was a very fair teacher.

Jo is now a Charity worker in North Wales.

Caroline joined Studley High in 1970.

Her memories of school include:

The school was traditional, in that boys did metalwork and woodwork and girls learnt to cook, sew and type. The girls appealed against this in 1974 but were overruled, there was a pupil strike one summer where we all ran off across the playing field, but soon ran back after Mr Harper, the headteacher, appeared!
I was part of a production of Macbeth one year, directed by Mrs Hogarth, starring Martin Homer and Hilary Berry. All the props were made in school, I had to catch Lady Macbeth when she fainted. It is still my favourite Shakespearean play to this day. I went on the YHA trip to Ross on Wye and we walked to Tintern Abbey.
There was a school disco, like a prom, each year just before we left and I remember Slade’s Merry Christmas had just been released.

She recalls the staff too:

Mrs Hogarth was scary but amazing, she was a Geordie and very dramatic. She had red hair, artfully held back in a tortoiseshell clip, a black velvet suit, red lipstick and clicking heels. She told us if she woke us in the middle of the night and asked us to quote from certain pages of “Wuthering Heights,” we should know it off by heart. Her fantastic teaching earned me two A's at English O Level and the English prize, unfortunately Maths wasn’t so impressive!
Mrs Owens was a great Art teacher. I loved the pottery room with the kiln and learning about slip glazes.
Mrs Thomas taught Music and Cookery, her background in Welsh choirs helped us to understand how to sing.
I remember Miss Turner in Geography teaching us about glaciers and Mrs Profitt in History, teaching the industrial revolution.
They were both quite trendy in tank tops and blouses with ridiculously long collars. We could always hear the girls learning to type to the William Tell overture next door and the typewriters going 'ping'. I point blank refused to learn to type or to do shorthand.
Sport was good I loved athletics and being in the relay team, training on the excellent track each summer.
We actually had teachers who really cared, which counted, as failing the 11 plus put you at a real disadvantage educationally, with a presumption you would not go to university and would follow a technical education.
A small group of us fought to take O Levels rather than CSEs in our year and were forced to study two syllabuses in case we failed the O Levels.
In total I did eight years of further education to make up for this prejudice.
So I truly thank the teachers, for their belief in us.

Caroline told us of her path after school:

After leaving school at 16, I went to college in Stratford on Avon, to study hotel management and then to the College of Food in Birmingham to enter the HCIMA as a professional manager. I then completed a management training scheme with Trust House Forte Hotels, working in Birmingham, Cardiff and York where I became a Food and Beverage Manager. I then transferred to London to work in corporate hospitality for BP in the city.

I took a break to have my two sons, and then retrained as a teacher at the Institute of Education UCL, also completing an MA in Religious Education, whilst working in two schools. 16 years ago,

I founded a small private school in central London for a charity, which has grown into a successful, well regarded school. We pride ourselves on our multicultural, diverse community, support for children with SEND and transition to both selective and state schools. We offer French, Spanish, Yoga, Art, Forest School, Music, Dance and Cookery in our curriculum. As a headteacher I am passionate about inclusion, opportunity and lifelong learning. I love my job and I have the same humorous, relaxed approach, I enjoyed from some of my teachers at Studley High School.