OCs Inspire Sixth Form Bursary Holders
Three OCs went back to School to speak with current Sixth Form bursary holders in an informal and thoughtful session focused on life beyond School.
All three OCs were bursary holders themselves and spoke openly about their own journeys, including unexpected turns, gap years, university life, and early careers. Their honesty and warmth immediately put pupils at ease, creating a space where meaningful questions could be asked and real conversations could take place.
The session began with each OC sharing their experiences, followed by practical “top tips” for navigating decisions about university, careers and life after School. Pupils then had the opportunity to ask questions as a group before moving into informal conversations, allowing everyone to talk more personally and explore individual interests and concerns.
The speakers:
Pictured from left to right: Josh, Yoel, Nell
Nell Tindale (GH 2016) spoke about rethinking plans after not getting into her first-choice university, taking a gap year, studying Philosophy at Edinburgh, completing a law conversion, and now working in employment law and whistleblowing. Her advice focused on keeping an open mind, reading widely, and not putting too much pressure on having everything figured out.
Josh Massey Dearman (WG 2025) shared how embracing opportunities at School, from the bulletin to academic competitions, led him to enter a Harvard Competition and opened doors to internships. Now studying science at UCL, he encouraged pupils to get involved in things even if they feel unfamiliar and to make the most of university life beyond academics.
Yoel Mulugheta (GH 2020) reflected on studying Human Social Political Sciences at Cambridge, using drama skills in video assessments, and working in consultancy. He emphasised playing to strengths and being honest about what genuinely motivates you.
The Sixth Formers engaged thoughtfully throughout, asking perceptive questions and continuing conversations informally with the OCs. As one pupil reflected:
“Hearing from OCs in multiple different career paths allowed me to get a holistic perspective towards life in university.” - Y12 pupil
Another added:
“It was a great opportunity to discuss future steps with previous pupils of a similar background. I now feel more confident about some of my decisions regarding the future, mainly university.” - Y13 pupil
Thank you Nell, Josh and Yoel for giving their time and insight, and for showing pupils that there is no single ‘right’ path, only one that is right for you.