Life After St. Andrew's
Ollie Stokes
Ollie Stokes
Where did you go to after St. Andrew's?I went to Reed’s School, Cobham after St. Andrew’s;
What are you doing now?I now work as a consultant for Best Companies, who survey workplace engagement in organisations around the UK. We also provide research that powers The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work for Lists;
What are your fondest memories of St. Andrew's:Fondest memories include Janet Hodges as the head of music, the variety of subjects and sports on offer (though I wasn’t able to see it at the time), Jonathan Spooner’s history lessons and cricket net training sessions (though I was a woeful cricketer...)
What advice would you give to current St. Andrew's pupils:Though grades for all subjects are important, never forget the importance of becoming a well-rounded, kind and thoughtful individual. Your love of music, sport, art or anything else outside of academics will help you to stand out and enjoy life more than you can know.
Melodi Akkemik
Melodi Akkemik
Which school did you go on to when you left St. Andrew’s?St George’s Weybridge
What are you doing now?I am currently doing my A Levels at the Sixth Form of Reed’s School Cobham.
What are your fondest memories of the school?I spent 10 years at St Andrew’s and some of my fondest memories are spread across the years with all the incredible students and teachers. The sense of community at this school is amazing, and I am so grateful for the amount of opportunities I was given, especially within the music and drama department. I would say that my fondest memories are of all the concerts and plays I was able to be a part of and also all of the amazing trips I took with the school, making memories with friends for life.
Do you have any advice for our current pupils at St. Andrew’s?I think that the best piece of advice I can give to current pupils is to cherish the time they have at St. Andrew’s. Some of my best school years were spent there and I am incredibly grateful for the chances I was given to improve as a student and as an overall person. Therefore, I wholeheartedly suggest embracing the time they have at the school, and taking every opportunity, wherever it comes.
Kyle Jackson
Kyle Jackson
Which school did you go on to when you left St. Andrew’s?After leaving St. Andrew’s I went to St John’s Leatherhead for 5 years to complete GCSEs and A levels where for the latter I completed English Lit, Politics, and Business Studies.
What are you doing now?I’m now working for Motorsport UK. We’re the national governing body and membership organisation for all 4-wheeled motor racing in the country and I’m in the Safety Team. I’ve recently passed exams in a Health & Safety qualification and look to continue working to promote and progress motor sport safety in years to come.
What are your fondest memories of the school?I have many happy memories from St. Andrew’s, but my fondest probably include cycling a tricycle around one of the playgrounds when I was about 5 years old. I can probably credit my motor racing obsession with this! Another is playing Fox & Hounds at the many summer Timeout camps I went to over the years and this memory is hard to beat.
Do you have any advice for our current pupils at St. Andrew’s?And advice for pupils – enjoy every moment you can when there and savour the memories you make. This and also take any opportunity that you can.
Catherine Talbot
Catherine Talbot
Which school did you go on to when you left St. Andrew’s?I joined Bradfield College.
What are you doing now?I am studying the IB programme and taking English, Biology and Art as my Higher level subjects, along with Maths Studies, French and History of Art as my Standard level subjects. Alongside this, I am looking at universities where I could read Liberal Arts or History of Art.
At school, I have just finished raising funds and collecting books to build a library in Nairobi for the EdClub Movement, and I am playing lots of hockey and lacrosse.
What are your fondest memories of the school?My best memories are probably ones from year 7 and 8, where I think I was really able to get the most out of St. Andrew's. I also loved the trips, especially the Cornwall end of year trip, and Sports Days were fantastic (especially when Spades won!).
Do you have any advice for our current pupils at St. Andrew’s?If anything it would be to try and make the most of your time at St. Andrew's and get involved and try hard in everything that you take on. My best times at St. Andrew's are all of the plays and sports matches and team activities, because that is where you build the best friendships and learn the most. I would also recommend really considering staying into year 8 if you are looking to leave in year 6 at the moment. I believe the responsibilities and opportunities you are provided with in year 7 and 8 are what leads St Andrew's alumni to be so successful.
Matthew Buffoni
Matthew Buffoni
Which school did you go on to when you left St. Andrew’s?Charterhouse
What are you doing now?I have just graduated from the University of Bristol and I am currently working as a Financial Services Consultant in London.
What are your fondest memories of the school?Fondest memory has to be winning the Cranleigh School Hockey Tournament. It was so great to be part of a team that won such a prestigious schools’ hockey tournament! Other tremendous memories include Sports Day (even coming last in the 1500m final!) and Year 8 Leavers’ Trips.
Do you have any advice for our current pupils at St. Andrew’s?Make the most of everything the school has to offer. The school has such a wonderful selection of sports, music, and other activities that you are so lucky to be able to do everyday. I had so much fun participating in all the extra curricular activities I did at the school during my time at St. Andrew’s. Even if you don’t think you will be particularly good at something, give it a go!
Kelsey Johnson
Kelsey Johnson
Which school did you go on to when you left St. Andrew’s?Wellington College
What are you doing now?I am in my third year at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, pursuing a degree in Communication with a minor in Music Industry. I am also currently completing an internship at Sony Music and hoping to soon gain some work experience in Public Relations.
What are your fondest memories of the school?I particularly enjoyed my time in Year 7 & 8. That’s when I really became closest with all my friends and made lots of fun memories. Notable highlights include getting to play for the Boys 2nd XI hockey team, singing in the Carol Services, and doing the Head Girl’s Speech at my final Speech Day (gifting Mr Perks with a morph suit was the cherry on top!). I also loved returning to St. Andrew’s to help out around school for a few weeks in the Spring/Summer of 2017. It was definitely a relief timing the 1500m rather than running it!
Do you have any advice for our current pupils at St. Andrew’s?Make the most of every opportunity you get - join clubs, play sports, try an instrument - find what it is that you’re passionate about and run with it! St. Andrew’s offers just about everything so never let a moment go to waste! Also most importantly, dare to be different and take the road less traveled. You never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll meet!