I studied AS and A levels in Maths, Geography and PE and AS level Biology at Collyer’s from 2014-2016. I had a great time at Collyer’s! What really impressed me was the quality of teaching. Particular mentions to my Maths and PE teachers, who really went above and beyond to help their students achieve their goals, utilising engaging teaching approaches.

After Collyer’s I went to study for a BSc in Sports and Exercise Science at Loughborough University. This allowed me to carry out an Internship with Fulham FC as a 1st team Sports Scientist, giving me a diverse array of responsibilities, which included creating and delivering a ‘Player Profile Database’ to assess future Fulham FC players physical quantification metrics that were measured during medical examinations before players were signed. This allowed quick and effective decisions to be made on whether the potential new player matched or exceeded the current squad’s physical performance, how they matched up with their position and where they were relative to the sample population statistics derived from other clubs. The database is still being used to help with recruitment decisions.

Studying Chemistry at Collyer’s with a great teacher inspired me to read Chemistry at university. Chemistry is fascinating and allows you to understand how the world around you works at a molecular level!

As a Research Chemist working on molecules that can be used to image cancerous cells is very inspiring. I feel very lucky to be able to research something that affects so many people. Mornings are usually spent finishing a reaction from the day before or planning a new experiment to carry out. Once an experiment is up and running, I will usually spend some time on my computer reading new papers and journal articles that are relevant to my research. Afternoons will be back in the lab analysing compounds that I have made. The best parts of being a chemist are doing a practical, hands-on job, and potentially synthesising molecules that no one else has ever made. The skills needed to fulfil my role are logical thinking, patience (experiments fail more often than they work), and a desire to do something new. If you are looking to get into a similar type of role, then study hard but also make sure you have a passion for the subject.

Collyer’s was a wonderful preparation for the independent study skills and maturity to succeed at university.

I returned to Paris soon after and became an English teacher and university advisor and now Head of English at an International School in Paris. In terms of a typical day I usually get up about 6am and attend a yoga class in the St Germain area of Paris. I then grab a coffee and croissant and head into school for 9am where I observe teachers, attend leadership meetings before teaching years 11,12 and 13 after lunch. I then spend time meeting with year 13 students about university. I love my role as I laugh every day, I stay young, and I get to use my brain. If anyone would like to work in my field, or perhaps live abroad, I would say organisation, independence and a good sense of humour are vital! Also taking a language at Collyer’s was one of the best decisions I ever took for broadening my horizons and future choices.