Allanians Return and Inspire 2022

The Schools were delighted to welcome back those Allanians who kindly attended the annual Return and Inspire speed networking event, to offer advice and guidance to Year 12 pupils.

The Newsom Hall was set up with eight large tables, each of which was given its own theme or topic and headed by a guest Allanian, together with supporting members of staff, some of whom were former Dame Allan’s pupils themselves. The students, who will soon be applying to universities and considering their next steps after Dame Allan’s, made their way around the tables over the course of 80 minutes and gained valuable careers guidance, tips and advice. Sarah Hewitt (class of 2017) returned to share her experience of taking an apprenticeship with global professional services company Accenture. She was joined by Year 13 pupil Anna Gillespie, who has secured an apprenticeship with chartered accountants UNW. Miss Hewitt said: “It’s nice to help remove the stigma sometimes attached to apprenticeship schemes and explain the many benefits of going down that route for students who perhaps aren’t keen on heading off to university.”

Former Head Boy and Cambridge student Geordie Cheetham (class of 2020) came back to offer pupils guidance on university applications and life after school. He said “My advice was to ensure they never pigeonhole themselves, and instead figure out what really interests and inspires them, because that’s what will get them up in the morning ready to live, learn and work!”

Our thanks go to all those who attended, including:

Emily and Libby Doughty (class of 2021)

Rachel Younger (class of 2021)

Katy Lyall (class of 2020)

Kayleigh Oborka Letman (class of 2018)

Elspeth Cunningham (class of 2017)

Charlotte Keenan (class of 2017)

Jenny Wilkes (class of 2013)

Stephen Davies (class of 1994)

Visit our photo gallery to see more photos of the event.