Alumni Profiles

Age: 21
Graduated from Lord Grey: 2014

Qualifications achieved at Lord Grey

As well as core GCSE subjects, I chose History, Health and Social Care, and Media studies. I’m curious by nature and often struggle to pick one thing to focus on at a time; the subjects I studied helped me to narrow down what I am most passionate about and have fostered an interest in humans and the natural world; in particular the relationship between plants and people.

I particularly enjoyed Biology at Lord Grey and can remember many of the lessons, in particular taking Pelargonium cuttings to look at tropism. These lessons demonstrated the plant sciences as a potential career option.

Did you pursue any further education?

I am a PhD. student at Warwick University, my research focuses on a fungal pathogen of Banana plants called Panama disease or Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense. The aim of the research is to develop tools to diagnose the pathogen using molecular techniques as well as imaging technologies from satellites or drones.

Before Warwick, I studied Horticulture – Plant Science BSc (Hons) at the Eden Project, Cornwall, where I first started researching Panama disease. 

What is a stand out memory from your time at Lord Grey?

I have a lot of memories from Lord Grey – one of the stand out memories is planting Daffodil bulbs by the entrance to Student Services and Reception in Year 8. It helped to engage me with plants, and was at the start of a very green and slippery slope in to horticulture and the plant sciences.

Are you still in contact with friends you met at Lord Grey?

I made some of my best friends while at Lord Grey, and still speak with them regularly. It has been great to see them develop a variety of successful careers since we left.

Do you have any advice for students at Lord Grey who are considering a career in your industry?

If you’re considering a career in horticulture or the plant sciences, I’d recommend you show passion and a keenness to learn. It’s an industry filled with people obsessed with plants, you can learn so much and there is a real variety of career options. If you’re enthusiastic and curious, the horticultural world is your oyster.

What are your future career plans/ambitions?

I don’t yet have a clear future career plan. Within horticulture and the plant science I’m fascinated by sustainable food production, human interactions with plants, alternative growing methods, new technologies, plant interactions with microbes, plant biosecurity, and plant conservation – so I suppose my ambition is to see if I can find a job that incorporates all of my interests, but I still have a PhD to complete first!

Age: 27
Graduated from Lord Grey: 2008 (GCSE), 2010 (A-Level)

Art qualifications achieved at Lord Grey:

GCSE Art & Design, GSCE Creative Textiles (Top 10 student in the UK in both qualifications) A-Level Art & Design

Did you pursue any further education?

Kingston School of Art, Kingston University, BA (Hons) Architecture, Upper Second Class
Master of Architecture (MArch) with Distinction

Current job title/future aspiration:

Part II Architectural Assistant
Part-time Lecturer, Department of Art & Architecture, Kingston School of Art
My future aspirations include completing my PART III qualifications this year which is the last step in the process of becoming a chartered architect. I would also like to continue to develop my practice of architecture through working in the industry, teaching and writing.

What did you learn whilst studying in Lord Grey Art Department that was valuable to you beyond school life?

Studying at Lord Grey taught me the importance of hard work, determination and continued experimentation. I was encouraged to look widely and think critically about my art practice, traits which undoubtedly had a positive impact on my work as a university student and in my role as a professional in architecture today.

What do you remember most about studying at Lord Grey?

I remember the generosity of my tutors and peers. Their willingness to go above and beyond to help you achieve is unquestionable.

What advice would you give to Lord Grey Art students?

Be brave, continue to experiment and develop your ideas and trust your intuition. Set yourself goals and strive to achieve them.

Age: 22
Graduated from Lord Grey: 2014

What Art qualifications did you achieved at Lord Grey?

GCSE Textiles (A), A-Level Art (B), A-Level Textiles (A)

Did you pursue any further education?

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design at  Northampton University (Distinction)
• BA Fine Art at University of Reading (2;1)
• Currently studying MA Fine Art at University of Reading

Current job title/future aspiration

I am currently working part time in retail to support my educational studies and also taking on private and public commissions as a fibre artist.  After I graduate from my MA I am hoping to find a studio space or residency scheme and be able to work full time as a fibre artist.

What did you learn whilst studying at Lord Grey that was valuable to you beyond school life?

The Art Department taught me how to use my imagination and initiative to make the most of what you have and not having extensive amounts of space, materials and resources should not stunt your creativity. A sketchbook can be very valuable, don’t ever stop having one and remember it is not the artwork so it doesn’t have to be fabulous and perfect, its purpose is to document and help the process.  Being self-disciplined and to have a good work ethic is extremely important.

What do you remember most about studying Art at Lord Grey?

A lot of hours spent in the department but they were filled fun and laughs with both friends and teachers. It was a warm supportive environment that I enjoyed being in, it encouraged me to do the best I could and gave me the confidence to pursue art further.

What advice would you give to Lord Grey Art students?

If I could give five points to a younger me it would be:

1. Do not let your inner-saboteur win.
2. If this is what you want to do, then do not give up. Take criticism in your stride, don’t let it bother you or overthink it too much. Use it to help you.
3. Don’t be afraid to be ambitious, aim high but be realistic.
4. Stay true to your own artwork – don’t copy others or try to please critics, find your own style and interests and that is where you will thrive.  Remember that not all art is purely conceptual; there is a beauty in the process and materiality too.
5. Hard work pays off.