Returning to St Margaret’s were Tomi (2014–2021), who was Head Girl in her final year and is now a teacher; Priyana (2015–2022), who studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Nottingham before beginning a career in nuclear and defence project management; and Charlotte (2015–2022), who studied Politics, Philosophy and Law at the University of Warwick and is now completing a master’s in law.

The three joined Head, Ben Turner, for a panel discussion with current and prospective Sixth Form pupils, reflecting on their time at St Margaret’s, the choices they made after leaving and the lessons they have carried with them since.

Those lessons have stayed with Tomi and now shape her own career as a teacher, where she draws on the values she learned at St Margaret’s:

For Priyana, one of the defining features of her St Margaret’s education was being encouraged to challenge herself while still feeling supported:

She also encouraged pupils not to be afraid to ask questions, reflecting on how doing so helped her find clarity when she was unsure.

Charlotte’s advice was perhaps simpler–choose what genuinely interests you:

After the panel, pupils and families explored different areas of the A-Level curriculum through a series of subject sessions, meeting teachers and getting a feel for what studying those subjects at Sixth Form might look like. The alumnae joined the  conversations too, answering questions about university, careers, choosing subjects and the decisions that come next.

For pupils and parents alike, hearing from recent alumnae offered a perspective that goes beyond the next set of exams: how interests develop, how choices lead to unexpected opportunities, and how the things you learn at school can stay with you long after you leave.

There was no single route being presented. Instead, three different journeys gave pupils a chance to imagine their own. And perhaps that was the most fitting way to end the evening: with pupils looking ahead to their next chapter, while hearing from three people who had once stood exactly where they are today.

Watch the video to hear Tomi, Priyana and Charlotte reflect on their time at St Margaret’s and the journeys that followed.