We asked some recent leavers two questions: What is your best memory from College or your House? What have you been doing since leaving College?

Mira Kohen Morhayim (W, 2020)

I loved my time at College! I have so many great memories, but my favourite is baking at Westal. We would meet almost twice a week and bake cookies, apple crumble, and cinnamon rolls, and chat in the kitchen. I have not made cookies that good since! It was so special to enjoy everyone’s company and just have a lovely snack after a long day.

After graduating from College in 2020, unfortunately under pandemic circumstances, I pursued a joint honours degree in Psychology and Business at the University of Edinburgh. I just graduated this year. I started working at Cisco as a Customer Solutions Specialist in August where I am focusing on market data analysis and behavioural analytics.

Jilly Woodward (Ch, 2019)

One of my highlights was co-directing the Chandos-Southwood House play. It was so much fun creating a show with all of our friends. CCF was also a huge part of my time there, and I always had such a fantastic time on the summer camp. I loved Chandos and my incredible Housemistress, Mrs Poulain, is a key part of who I am today.

Flash forward to now, I finished my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at the University of Exeter in 2022 and have recently moved to London. I’m currently working for Bloomberg Intelligence as a Disease Specialist while also finishing off my master’s at Exeter in antibiotic resistance.

Ollie Callon Hine (H, 2022)

My favourite memory of College would have to be camaraderie with peers and the friends I made. Another favourite has to be Chapel. The act of sitting as a collective and singing is something that is really rare to find outside of school.

Since leaving, I have been reading Film at King’s College London. Alongside this, I have been building my portfolio as director, whilst also working on some studio films. In 2023, I was lucky to be part of a three-month exchange programme to UC Irvine in the USA where I wrote and directed a short film that was long listed for the BAFTA student film awards. I am currently working on a short film that I hope to take to festivals in 2025.

Gemma Radburn-Todd (CL, 2020)

Picking a best memory from College is difficult when so many amazing times were had. I loved Prefects’ break, everyone piling into the Dining Hall at break time for biscuits and coffee. It became routine and we all laughed so much every day! College Lawn winning House Singing in my final year is a definite great memory too.

Since leaving College I’ve gained a degree in History of Art from Edinburgh, alongside so many other OCs who came to Edinburgh! I’ve been working at the auction house Bonhams, amongst others, and now after four years it’s time to move on to my next chapter in London to begin a career in the arts.

Lara Scudamore (A, 2022)

Choosing one memory is tough, but a highlight was our final evening before Speech Day of Upper Sixth. We had a sunset picnic on Cleeve Hill celebrating finishing school and, more importantly, our sports day victory from earlier in the day!

After College, I took a gap year, working at Cheltenham Muscat in Oman before backpacking through Southeast Asia. Working in Muscat as part of the new and exciting Cheltenham community that is growing out in Oman was fantastic. I often think about all of the staff and pupils and hope to visit again soon. I have just enjoyed a summer job in the United States and have started my second year studying Biology at the University of Bristol.

Thomas Chu (Xt, 2020)

My favourite memory of Christowe has to be the House Christmas Dinner, a time when everyone dressed up and came together to celebrate our achievements over the past year. It was a perfect occasion for Boyceites to showcase their creativity, whether in selecting presents for Secret Santa or weaving as many jokes as possible into their speeches.

I recently completed a master’s in Biochemistry from Oxford, where I was also involved in environmental advocacy and co-founded the Oxford Alternative Proteins Society. I’m currently travelling around Australia before returning to London to start my job at Rede Partners in private capital advisory.

Annabel Watkin (Q, 2020)

I look back fondly upon my years in College. A highlight would be morning Chapel and the feeling of community that is fostered by singing together.

After leaving college in 2020, I moved to Cardiff where I studied a BSc in Biomedical Sciences and am now studying Medicine. Besides my studies, I have worked within Red Bull UK’s field marketing team for the past two years. I am writing this passage in my office at Henley Royal Regatta, where I’m looking after the coxswains and enjoying a lovely view of the pontoons! When I’m not working I like to spend my time wild swimming and exploring new countries. Latvia has been a recent favourite!

Annabel Merheim-Kealy (Q, 2018)

There are a lot of memories from Queen’s to choose from, but I think the Easter egg hunts Mrs Handy would organise for us were always loads of fun, even in Sixth Form!

Since leaving college in 2018, I studied History of Art for four years at Trinity College Dublin, which I loved! After I graduated, I wanted to turn my hobby of jewellery making into a career. I enrolled in a two-year jewellery and silversmithing HND at the Birmingham School of Jewellery, which I completed this year. I’m just beginning my jewellery career and am excited to see where it will take me!