We were delighted to welcome Old Suttonians Tom Llewellyn (2022 C) and Tess Pritchard (2021 H) back to Sutton Valence, where they worked with pupils across Design, Technology and Art before delivering presentations about their journeys since leaving SVS.

Since leaving school, both Tom and Tess have studied at Loughborough University and gone on to achieve considerable success in their respective fields, building impressive portfolios, exhibiting nationally, and gaining valuable industry experience.

Tom pursued a degree in Industrial Design, where his final-year major project, Vertabrace, was developed to support outdoor first aiders in the management of spinal injuries. The project received significant recognition, earning him the Joseph Joseph Excellence in Innovation Award, as well as an invitation to exhibit at New Designers, where he was awarded both the New Designers Rising Star Award and the Intelligent Design Award, sponsored by Joseph Joseph. Following this success, Tom has accepted a graduate position with the company.

During his visit to the Design & Technology Department, Tom met with Upper Sixth pupils to discuss their final design models and the development of their A Level projects. Drawing on his university and industry experience, he provided valuable feedback on how designs could be refined and developed further with users’ needs in mind.

Tom also supported Sixth Form pupils taking part in a Live Brief Challenge. Pupils selected from a series of industry-inspired design briefs before researching, developing and pitching a solution within a limited timeframe. Throughout the challenge, Tom encouraged pupils to think creatively, develop ideas rapidly and consider how professional designers approach problem-solving.

Meanwhile, Tess has developed a distinctive creative practice centred on nature-inspired interiors that promote wellbeing and a stronger connection to the natural world. Through the use of natural dyes, weaving and printmaking, she creates sustainable surface designs that evoke landscapes and encourage calm, sensory experiences.

During her time in the Art Department, Tess worked with A Level pupils, offering valuable insight into creative study beyond school. She shared her experiences of developing a personal artistic practice, undertaking industry placements and adapting to life in a new environment. By connecting studio-based creativity with the wider design and manufacturing industries, Tess helped pupils gain a deeper understanding of the diverse opportunities available within the creative sector.

To conclude the visit, Tom and Tess delivered engaging presentations in the theatre, sharing their experiences since leaving Sutton Valence and reflecting on the opportunities that followed. Tom discussed the development of his award-winning projects, his experience of exhibiting at New Designers and the transition from education into employment. Tess spoke about the evolution of her creative practice, the inspiration behind her work and the process of bringing major projects from concept to exhibition.

It was fantastic for pupils to hear first-hand about the progression from studying Design & Technology and Art at school to producing professional-level work, exhibiting nationally and beginning careers within creative industries. We are extremely grateful to Tom and Tess for returning to SVS, giving their time so generously and sharing their experiences with our pupils. We wish them every success as they embark on the next stages of their careers.