On Saturday 10th September, Sutton Valence School welcomed back several recent Old Suttonians to share their journeys since leaving School.

In a panel hosted by Mr Ellmers (Head of Sixth Form) and Mrs Carter (Careers), the Old Suttonians were posed a series of questions about the various routes they have taken since leaving School. Upper Sixth students were given an insight into a variety of pathways and to a multitude of industries. From aviation to television production, our students were fortunate to hear how Old Suttonians have fared at university and in the world of work since leaving SVS.

At Sutton Valence, we pride ourselves on offering each of our Sixth Form students a bespoke service that caters to their individual plans and intentions for when they leave School. It was gratifying to hear on Saturday how our recent leavers have navigated gap years and the world of apprenticeships with real success. Our alumni shared their top tips and valuable insights through personal experiences. For students wishing to pursue Higher Education, they heard from Tom Gray (2020 H), Hugh Harman (2020 C), Anna Harrison (2020 H) and Olivia Smith (2019 F) who shared their experiences of university life and offered practical guidance as to how to survive and succeed at university. Will Chambers (2021 F), Charles Court (2017 C) and Charlotte Gilman (2021 S) outlined the necessity to be tenacious in applying for alternative routes and highlighted the need to gain practical experience to enhance employability.

We were proud to hear of the diverse experiences of our recent leavers, who articulated their thoughts and insights with enthusiasm and eloquence. We are also thankful to our Development Office for coordinating the event so successfully on Saturday. Should you wish to get involved in future events as an Old Suttonian, please do get in touch.